Picture Credit: Getty Images
Match Details
Date: December 17, 2022
Time: 8:30 PM IST
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium
Live commentary: SportsTiger App
Preview :
After losing their semifinal fixtures, Croatia and Morocco will square off against each other to claim the third place in the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Saturday, December 17 at the Khalifa International Stadium. While Argentina dominated Croatia by 3-0, defending champions France beat Morocco 2-0 in the semifinals.
Team news:
Croatia
The midfield trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic provided a strong base in the Croatian team and Brozovic went off early in the second half of Croatia's semi-final defeat due to a thigh injury.
Morocco
Captain Romain Saiss and full back Noussair Mazraoui featured in the starting XI against Croatia despite having injury doubts ahead of the semifinal match. Defender Nayef Aguerd was left out during the warmup in the semifinal, Saiss was forced out in the 21st minute and Mazraoui was substituted after the halftime. Ahead of their third place playoff against Croatia, Morocco coach Walid Regragui said that he would give chance to the players who are yet to play in Qatar.
Analysis:
Croatia
The 2018 World Cup runners up Croatia have shown a tremendous defensive performance throughout the tournament as they conceded just six goals in the whole competition, including three against Argentina in the semifinals. Despite his age, Luka Modric has spread his magic in the quadrennial showpiece and was equally supported by Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic among others.
SportsTiger Playing XI of Croatia
Livakovic (GK); Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric (C); Kramaric, Petkovic, Perisic
Morocco
Morocco has displayed the nerves of steel throughout the tournament and pulled off sensational upsets as they defeated Spain and Portugal in the knockouts to become the first African country to reach the World Cup semifinals. Morocco conceded their first direct goal from an opponent player in the World Cup during semifinal against France.
SportsTiger Playing XI of Morocco
Bounou (GK); Hakimi (C), Achraf Dari, El Yamiq, Attyiat-Allah; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
Match Prediction:
Conclusion:
As per the above prediction, Morocco are expected to beat Croatia to claim the third spot in the FIFA World Cup 2022.
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