Croatia clashed heads with Morocco at the Khalifa International Stadium earlier today as they looked to earn a good result and secure a third-place finish in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Croat players began the game well and scored the opening goal in the seventh minute courtesy of Josko Gvardiol’s excellent header. However, Morocco responded just two minutes later when Achraf Dari found the back of the net. Mislav Orsic restored Croatia’s lead in the 42nd minute with a brilliant strike as the European nation went into the half-time break 2-1 up on the scoreline.
Both teams canceled each other in the second half as the contest finished 2-1 in favour of Croatia.
Let’s find out about how each Croatia player fared during the match against Morocco.
GK: Dominik Livakovic – 6/10
He made one good save in the game but failed to keep a clean sheet today.
RB: Josip Stanisic – 7/10
Stanisic was mostly solid when defending inside his half and was a threat going forward.
CB: Josko Gvardiol – 7.5/10
Gvardiol gave his nation the all-important lead with a good header in the seventh minute. He was a rock at the back as well today.
CB: Josip Sutalo – 6.5/10
He cleared the danger when needed and performed well enough to restrict the opposition to just one goal.
LB: Ivan Perisic – 7.5/10
The Tottenham Hotspur star didn’t do much wrong when defending at the back and caused some problems for the opposition defenders. He has got an assist to show for his efforts.
CM: Luka Modric – 7/10
Modric anchored the midfield with conviction and moved the ball well in the Morocco half.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – 7.5/10
He got stuck in with some solid tackles and made a few good runs with the ball from midfield.
RW: Lovro Majer – 6.5/10
Majer engineered a couple of meaningful chances in the final third but failed to register a goal.
CAM: Andrej Kramaric – 6.5/10
He had a few bright moments in the game but struggled to threaten the Morocco goal.
LW: Mislav Orsic – 7.5/10
Orsic was a positive influence at both ends of the field and scored a wonderful goal in the 42nd minute to win the game for his country.
ST: Marko Livaja – 7/10
He orchestrated two decent chances for others around him but failed to find the back of the net.
Substitutes:
CAM: Nikola Vlasic – 6/10
Vlasic earned the ball back once for his side.
CM: Mario Pašalić – 6/10
He added more energy to Croatia’s midfield.
ST: Bruno Petkovic – 6/10
He struggled to get his name on the scoresheet.
CM: Kristijan Jakić – N/A
Jakic didn’t get enough minutes to warrant a rating.
