It wasn’t Croatia’s night on Tuesday. A penalty that likely should have never been called disrupted Croatia’s otherwise stunning football in the first 34 minutes of their semi-final match against Argentina. And that was all the Messi-led Argentina needed to come out and score another two goals to win 3-0, ending Croatia’s World Cup final dreams.
But not all hope is lost, and not only is Croatia still among the four best national teams in the world, but they have the chance to win their third World Cup medal since 1998. They fight for the bronze on Saturday at Khalifa Stadium in Qatar against Morocco. Recall, Croatia opened their 2022 World Cup campaign against Morocco, drawing 0-0 in their first match of Group F at Al Bayt Stadium on November 23.
France and Morocco met at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday night. France’s first goal came early – in the 5th minute. A lapse in the Morocco defense was followed by a failed save from Bono. Hernandez was alone on the left to score for 1-0 France.
But Morocco wasn’t far from a goal, either, and managed to attack most of the first half. Their best chance was a bicycle kick by Jawad El Yamiq, which got caught between the post and Lloris’ hands. The entire stadium was painted red for Morocco, and their fans did not stop with synchronized chants and songs the entire first half.
Morocco was playing far more physically than they did against Croatia, and France was not having an easy time, especially with their chances on goal.
Morocco tried dominating much of the second half, too but failed to capitalize on their chances at goal. France had a few good chances but nothing good enough to increase their lead. But their golden opportunity finally came in the 79th minute. An Mbappe masterclass in the penalty area found Kolo Muani alone on the far post to make it 2-0 with 10 minutes to go.
Croatia will have no easy task going up against Morocco for the World Cup bronze medal. Khalifa Stadium will be dominated by Morocco fans, and after the display the team put on tonight, it will be a much different game than their World Cup opener almost one month ago.
Croatia and Morocco will meet at 6 pm local time on Saturday, December 17.
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