By Habeeb Kuranga
Croatia has claimed the third position in the Qatar 2022world cup after defeating Morocco at the Khalifa International Stadium.
In what was an enterprising encounter as Croatia drew the first blood in the seventh minute with a diving header from Josko Gvardiol, assisted by Ivan Perisic. Croatia’s lead was not too long as Morocco restored parity through Achraf Dari’s header after just 112 seconds with avardiol’s sumptuous header.
It was a topsy-turvy affair between both sides until the 42nd minute when Mislav Orsic buried the ball in the top right corner to restore Croatia to the lead.
Both sides were not up to pace in the second 45 as they did in the first half. Although, Croatia almost doubled their lead with a couple of chances. Morocco also nearly took the game to extra time in injury time as Yousouf En-Neysri headed just a few inches from the goal.
In the end, the Vatreni of Croatia claimed the needed win, which ultimately meant they were the ones to be at the podium to receive the bronze medal.
History has already been made by the Atlas Lions of Morocco when they defeated Portugal last weekend to be the first African nation to play in the semifinal of a world cup tournament.
