All the action unfolded in the first half at the Khalifa International Stadium, as Croatia overcame a history-making Morocco side to seal 3rd place at the 2022 World Cup.

Josko Gvardiol put the Croatians in front with just seven minutes on the clock, only to be cancelled out by a Achraf Dari header just two minutes later, bringing the game back level. 

However, Dinamo Zagreb attacker Mislav Orsic ensured Croatia went home with a bronze medal, after putting his side 2-1 up three minutes before half time. 

Despite not making the final, Zlatko Dalić will be delighted with his nation's World Cup campaign, beating the likes of Brazil to reach the final four in Qatar. 

  • Zlatko Dalić

Croatia's boss spoke to the press after, praising his players, whilst also recognising the achievement of a Morocco side who made history in Qatar: (Quotes from Rediff.com)

"In any case, the last match we played. If you remember, I had said if we had lost, it would have been a disaster,"

"It was a difficult, great match. I want to extend my congratulations to Morocco, they put up a great fight until the last minute, despite the fatigue."

The African side were the first nation from the continent to reach the semi-finals in a World Cup, becoming one of the stories of the tournament in the Middle-East.

Dalić also spoke about his confidence for Croatia's next generation:

"They can be proud, they remind me of us four years ago. We're among the best teams in the world."

"Yes this is the last World Cup for some of my players today due to their age. But we have young players in the team and it is great for Croatia,"

One story in the build up to the World Cup this year was the potential of this being Luka Modrić's final tournament for his nation. 

The 37-year-old pleased his boss in Qatar:(Quotes from Daily Mail)

"He's our captain, he's our boss, our leader and everybody follows him. He played fantastically well in this tournament. He's 37 years old but played like a 25-year-old. I'm very happy with him, and this trophy is also for him."

"We have young players in our team and there's a great hopes in Croatia. We have a great football school for the future and I believe Croatia has nothing to fear."

"These are the moments we live for, we work for, we train for. Winning tonight's match was the most emotional moment of the World Cup for us"

  • Luka Modrić

Luka Modrić spoke to Bein Sports after the game, and stated his plans to carry on his international career into next year: 

"I need to go step by step, I am enjoying the national team."

"I still feel I can perform on a high level"

"I want to continue at least until the Nations League. That will give me time to think about Euro 2024."