Croatia picked up bronze after beating Morocco in the 2022 FIFA World Cup third-place play-off. The game was decided by Mislav Orsic's sensational curling effort just before half-time, after two goals in the opening nine minutes from Morocco's Achraf Dari and Croatia's Josko Gvardiol set the pace for a tense match.
Early on, Morocco showed flashes of uncertainty as goalkeeper Yassine Bounou almost put a clearance into his own net in the third minute. Ivan Perisic neatly headed the ball into the fray where the masked Gvardiol fearlessly leaped in to head past Bono and temporarily settle the Moroccan camp.
When a cross deflected off of Lovro Majer's head and rebounded into the area, Morocco answered with a set piece of their own, leading to unmarked Dari to head the ball into the net. Morocco found gaps in the Vatreni’s defense after scoring the equalizer, and their midfield mobility and passing helped them create multiple goalscoring opportunities.
However, the Atlas Lions lacked the killer instinct in front of the goal, despite making history by becoming the first team from their continent to reach a World Cup semifinal.
Golden Foot takes Bronze
There is no doubt that Luka Modric has been one of the most influential midfielders since his breakout performances at Tottenham which earned him a huge transfer to European giants Real Madrid. After starting his international career in 2006, he has participated in every major tournament Croatia has qualified for.
Yet again, he has defied his age and put in another world-class performance in his nineteenth World Cup match. It's what Modric does out of possession, covering for players and making challenges, and making interceptions that makes him leagues above the rest.
Sadly this may be the last we see of Modric internationally, as he will be 38 next October, but with the Nations League starting in June, winning this with his team will be a great addition to his trophy cabinet.
Croatia’s future is in safe hands
Croatia's golden generation will go down in history. This is their sixth World Cup, and since their countries’ entry to the competition in 1998, half of their tournaments have seen them place 2nd or 3rd.
It has been clear that talent has been emerging from both teams during the tournament, with standout players establishing their names on the international stage. Croatia’s average age in this tournament is 27.4, with most of their starting players over the age of 28.
Most of their squad will not play again internationally for Croatia, so younger players will have to enter the fray.
Some of the younger players, such as Gvardiol and Josip Sutalo started together in a center-back pairing against Morocco, and if their form continues, they should have cemented their places in the back line for years to come. Adding to this pairing are Josip Stanisic and Borna Sosa, who should complete the defensive back four as fullbacks.
Injury Letdowns
It is no understatement that injuries to important players affect team performance and chemistry. Morocco faced huge knocks in the run-up to the semi-final and third-place playoffs, after losing captain Romain Saiss, and Bayern Munich right-back Noussair Mazraoui.
Nayef Aguerd missed the quarter-finals also due to injury and Walid Cheddira was excluded due to suspension.
As the injury problems kicked in later in the tournament for Morocco, their mental and physical fitness was evidently lacking against Croatia.
This did allow for the fringe players to get some international minutes, but the quality and experience of players like Saiss and Cheddira may have produced a different story for Morocco.
All eyes are on Morocco for the AFCON
Morocco has also shone a light on outstanding talent in this tournament and there is time for some younger players to develop until the next African competition, delayed until January 2024.
Their burning passion helped see them finish the highest African nation to date in a World Cup tournament. The Atlas Lions are still an evolving team, who may still have to rely on their more experienced players such as Sofyan Amrabat, Bounou, and Hakim Ziyech.
Youth prospects will be the key to Morocco repeating their success in future international competitions, such as Azzedine Ounahi, Anass Zaroury, and goalscoring defender Achraf Dari. This should hopefully add some attacking threat to this side, as too many times Morocco would create chance after chance, but lacked quality in the final third.
Despite the loss, the national team did their country proud and set the groundwork for more success. Having a Moroccan manager backing the team and plenty of youth talent coming through the ranks, this won't be the last we see of these dark horses.
