Croatia was the runners-up in 2018 edition, losing to France in the finals.
In the third place play off, they defeated Morocco 2-1. Bothe Morocco and Croatia were meeting the second time in this year’s World Cup, having first met in the group stages where they drew 0-0. Morocco eventually topped the group with Croatia coming second as both teams proceeded to the knock-out stages.
Gvardiol, the Croatian defender who has had an exceptional World Cup, headed in the opener off a headed pass from Perisic. In a cleverly taken set piece, the ball was floated into the penalty box to Perisic who headed it back towards the goal mouth. A diving Gvardiol sent his header to the right corner for a beautiful goal.
Headed goals here…
Headed goals there…Headed goals everywhere!!! pic.twitter.com/BUT4e8dE1h
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 17, 2022
Morocco found the equaliser as a missed clearance by Modric off a cross delivered from a Morocco free kick was directed towards his own goal and Achraf Dari headed in the ball beyond the reach of an advancing goal keeper Livakovic.
In the 24th minute, Modric nearly restored Croatia’s lead but his left footed attempt was saved by Morocco keeper Bono.
Orsic scored a beautiful goal by sending a high curling ball to the far post.
An absolute beauty of a finish 🔥#HRV | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/2NkoI8c2bs
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 17, 2022
En Nesyri had a great chance to equalise in the 75th minute but his shot when one-on-one with the keeper was a little low and hit the body of the keeper.
In the 76th minute, Morocco had an appeal for penalty turned down when Hakimi was fouled by Petkovic. However, the referee decided otherwise.
In the last minute of play, En Nesyri had another golden opportunity to equalise.
Attiat-Allah whipped in a beautiful cross from the left.
En Nesyri rose high to meet the ball, but he headed it a little high into the roof of the net.
