ISTANBUL, Turkey – Morocco’s fairytale path to the 2022 FIFA World Cup came to an end on Saturday, as Croatia won the third-place playoff 2-1.
Croatia took the lead in the seventh minute of a frenzied start at the Khalifa International Stadium, thanks to a diving header from defender Josko Gvardiol that capped off a well-worked free kick routine.
Morocco equalized just two minutes later with a headed goal of their own from defender Achraf Dari.
Croatia took the lead minutes before the halftime when Mislav Orsic curled in a magnificent goal from the left side of the box.
Both teams had multiple chances in the second period, but Orsic’s stunning goal proved to be the game-winner.
Croatia finished third in the World Cup for the second time, repeating their accomplishment from 1998, and follows a fantastic 2018 campaign in which they finished runners-up to France.
Source: PNA