Croatia defeated Morocco 2-1 within the World Cup third place play-off on Sunday morning, with Mislav Orsic curling house the gorgeous winner.
Josko Gvardiol, one of many stars of the event in Qatar, headed Croatia into the lead within the seventh minute on the Khalifa International Stadium however Achraf Dari introduced Morocco stage straight away.
Orsic’s terrific curling strike late within the first half ensured Croatia took house the bronze medal, the eleventh World Cup in a row a European staff has completed third.
“It’s a bronze medal but for us it’s like a gold medal,” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic mentioned.
Walid Regragui, the Morocco coach, mentioned there was loads for his staff to proudly mirror on after they grew to become the primary African semi-finalists in World Cup historical past.
“It’s a bitter defeat but I think it’s deserved,” mentioned Regragui.
“We have a team that never gave in. We’ll remember a lot of matches, we’re going to come back stronger. We’ve united our country for a month, everybody was happy.”
Morocco, who had by no means gone past the final 16 earlier than this World Cup, had signalled their intent with a spirited show in opposition to 2018 runners-up Croatia of their opening recreation in Qatar.
The fairytale, nevertheless, is ending with a barely bitter aftertaste after Regragui was seen arguing with match officers after the ultimate whistle.
“A sad way for Morocco to end the tournament, as their manager and players surround the referee – furious about something,” the BBC’s Andy Cryer mentioned.
“They have been exceptional in this tournament, as have Croatia. Probably the right result this evening.”
In was Croatia who appeared to have extra purpose to be offended with officers after Gvardiol seemed to be introduced down in a transparent foul contained in the penalty space.
Croatia have been livid when Gvardiol tumbled inside the realm when his foot seemed to be caught by Sofyan Amrabat, however there was no VAR overview.
The BBC’s Danny Murphy mentioned: “It was a foul, it was enough of a foul. It was a penalty 100 per cent.
“It was a clear and obvious mistake and you can see why Gvardiol was so frustrated. Thankfully there haven’t been too many in this World Cup when we thought they have got that wrong. That one was obvious. I don’t know what they think they’ve seen to not give it.”
It may 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.
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 go 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 he spilled a drive from Luka Modric.
Orsic curled in brilliantly by way of the publish from the nook of the field to place Croatia again on high 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 publish.
Mateo Kovacic put large 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 means again after their historic run.
Originally revealed as Ugly finish to World Cup fairytale after penalty insanity between Morocco and Croatia
