Croatia, finalists four years ago, were beaten 0-0 by Morocco in the opening Group F match, followed by Belgium on Wednesday at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. The Atlas Lions, with Selim Amallah (default) all game, take a good point, they looking to repeat the heroics of the selection qualified for the round of 16 at the 1986 World Cup.
The Croatians, who were also semi-finalists in France in 1998, had possession in the first period but, apart from Perisic’s high assist (17′), were waiting dangerously for injury time.
A few moments earlier touched on the calf and substituted at the break, however, Vlasic met Bounou in the small square and in the process Luka Modric, 37, voted best player of the last edition of the World Cup, shot in the entrance of the square above the Moroccan cage.
Relying on the break, the Moroccans met a well-placed Croatian defence, but gave themselves the first opportunity to restart with a header from Mazraoui (51′), the injured Bayern defender, who was contested by Livakovic. The Croatian goalkeeper did the same when Hakimi scored (65′). Lovren had rebelled (52′). After that, neither country will succeed in timidly invading.
During this meeting, Morocco played almost like they did at home thanks to the support of at least 15,000 fans dressed in the national colors and cheering on their favourites. Significantly more numerous than the Croatians, they made themselves known at the slightest opportunity by calling out the players before the start of the match. This celebration contrasted with the atmosphere in the stadium for the opening match, which was mainly filled with Qataris who left the stadium at half-time in the 2-0 defeat by Ecuador.
The Red Devils start their World Cup in the evening against Canada. Kick-off at 8:00 p.m.
Relive Morocco-Croatia with our live commentary
Incurable food practitioner. Tv lover. Award-winning social media maven. Internet guru. Travel aficionado.