Croatia defeated Morocco 2-1 within the World Cup third place play-off on Saturday, with Mislav Orsic curling residence the winner. Josko Gvardiol, one of many stars of the match in Qatar, headed Croatia into the lead within the seventh minute on the Khalifa International Stadium however Achraf Dari introduced Morocco degree instantly. Orsic’s terrific curling strike late within the first half ensured Croatia took residence the bronze medal, the eleventh World Cup in a row a European workforce has completed third.

Morocco, the primary World Cup semi-finalists in historical past, had signalled their intent with a spirited show towards 2018 runners-up Croatia of their opening sport in Qatar.

The rematch was nothing just like the cagey 0-0 draw within the group stage, with Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou dangerously near passing the ball into his personal web early on.

Croatia quickly surged in entrance from a well-rehearsed free-kick as Ivan Perisic nodded Lovro Majer’s clip into the field again in the direction of a diving Gvardiol, who planted his header into the nook.

But Morocco hit again two minutes later when Hakim Ziyech‘s free-kick looped up off the top of Majer, permitting Dari to move previous Dominik Livakovic.

Andrej Kramaric headed straight at Bounou, who then did properly to scoop the ball to security as Marko Livaja closed in after spilling a drive from Luka Modric.

Orsic curled in brilliantly by way of the submit from the nook of the field to place Croatia again on prime earlier than half-time after 18-year-old Morocco debutant Bilal El Khannouss misplaced the ball deep in his half.

Orsic once more went shut moments after the restart, his goalbound effort brushing Jawad El Yamiq and fizzing narrowly previous the submit.

Croatia had been livid when Gvardiol tumbled inside the world when his foot seemed to be caught by Sofyan Amrabat, however there was no VAR assessment.

It might have proved a match-changing second had Youssef En-Nesyri discovered a well beyond Livakovic, who unfold himself beautifully to dam the striker from shut vary.

Mateo Kovacic put broad with the possibility to place the sport past doubt. Morocco had a late penalty attraction turned down and En-Nesyri headed simply over however the Atlas Lions couldn’t discover a manner again after their historic run.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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