Croatia beat Atlas Lions of Morocco to seal third place in 2022 FIFA World Cup

Croatia beat Atlas Lions of Morocco to seal third place in 2022 FIFA World Cup

Following a 2-1 victory over Morocco on Saturday at the Khalifa International Stadium, Croatia finished third place in the World Cup.Croatia beat Atlas Lions of Morocco to seal third place in 2022 FIFA World Cup

It was a match that heralded two headed goals from both teams scored in the first 10 minutes of the first half of the match.

The headed goals came in 7th and 9th minutes respectively and were scored through brilliant set pieces (free-kicks).

Gvardiol’s spectacular diving header gave Croatia the lead after just seven minutes, but Dari’s close-range nod gave them the lead back less than two minutes later.

Josko Guardiol got the match going in the 7th minute of the first half for Croatia with an assist from Ivan Perisic.

Achraf Dari responded for the Atlas Lions two minutes later. A right free kick for Morocco outside the Croatian eighteen yard box was headed backward by a Croatian defender, but Achraf Dari intercepted brilliantly and headed home for Moroccan equalizer

Not long before halftime, Orsic reclaimed the lead with a beautiful attempt that looped in off the far post.

In the 42nd minute of the first half, Mislav Orsic brilliant pass found an unmarked Marko Livaja whose left curly drive hit the right side of Moroccan goal post, and bounced back into an empty net for the Croatian second goal.

In the second half, Morocco had two excellent opportunities to force extra time, but Livakovic came up strong to stop En-Nesyri before the striker blasted a header over in the dying moments.

With a third-place result, Croatia equals their highest World Cup performance ever.

Morocco at the other end have already created history and this is the best result an African team has ever achieved in this competition.

???? ???? ????? ?????? ????? ? ??????? ?? ??? ???!

About the Author

Obum Akawor
A retired Senior Civil Servant and sports journalist. A Fellow, Chartered Institute of Administration, FCAI.

Be the first to comment on "Croatia beat Atlas Lions of Morocco to seal third place in 2022 FIFA World Cup"

Leave a comment