Morocco vs Croatia LIVE: World Cup 2022 result, final score and reaction today
Morocco 0-0 Croatia: The Group F clash ended goalless with Luka Modric and co frustrated at the Al Bayt Stadium
Croatia‘s bid to emulate their World Cup exploits of four years ago began in stuttering fashion with a frustrating Group F stalemate against Morocco. The 2018 runners-up controlled possession at Al Bayt Stadium but lacked a cutting edge in a forgettable 0-0 draw against opposition with just two World Cup victories in their history.
Nikola Vlasic went close to an opener in first-half added time, while Noussair Mazraoui and Achraf Hakimi threatened winners for Morocco in the second period. The result leaves both sides with hope of reaching the knockout stages - albeit with plenty to do - in a group also containing Belgium and Canada. Croatia‘s starting XI contained five players who were involved in their 4-2 World Cup final defeat to France in Russia, including influential captain Luka Modric.
Manager Zlatko Dalic also remained from that match in Moscow and saw his side struggle to create in a tight, uninspiring opening period largely devoid of clear openings. Tottenham’s Ivan Perisic lashed narrowly over from distance, while Chelsea forward Hakim Ziyech wastefully fired a well-positioned free-kick straight into the wall at the other end.Croatia saved their best first-half attempts for added time.
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was finally tested when he repelled a close-range poke from Vlasic with a thigh, before Modric smashed over just before the whistle. Walid Regragui only took charge of the Atlas Lions three months before the tournament and was yet to see his new side concede a goal.
They remained resilient at the back after the restart and also improved from an attacking perspective, with Bayern Munich full-back Mazraoui, who was later stretchered off injured, seeing a header pushed away by Dominik Livakovic. Paris St Germain defender Hakimi then had a superb long-range effort denied by Croatia keeper Livakovic after being teed up by Ziyech at a free-kick before the contest faded away into the third goalless draw in the competition’s last four games. Croatia continue their campaign against Canada on Sunday afternoon, with Morocco facing Belgium earlier that day.
Harry Kane to undergo ankle scan in injury scare before England vs USA
England captain Harry Kane will undergo a scan on his right ankle to determine whether he sustained an injury during the World Cup opener against Iran.
Kane stayed down after being on the receiving end of a heavy challenge during Monday’s Group B match, with the striker’s foot appearing to twist awkwardly.
The Tottenham forward has a history of ankle injuries and he was subsequently brought off in the 75th minute of the 6-2 win.
England face the USA in their second group stage match on Friday night, with Kane now considered to be a doubt for Gareth Southgate’s side.
Full story:
Harry Kane to undergo ankle scan in England World Cup injury scare
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
79 mins: A sub for Croatia.
Kovacic OFF, Majer ON.
The 2018 finalists now have a free-kick in the Moroccan half on the right-hand side...
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
78 mins: We have our first yellow card - Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat in the book for a late clip on Luka Modric, who turned him beautifully.
No-brainer.
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
75 mins: Hakimi does well to win a free-kick on the right, with Perisic baited in...
Not been the best game this, it has to be said. 15 minutes to go in Al Khor - will we have a late twist?
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
73 mins: Really good defending from Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd to deny Dejan Lovren a header at the back post, another corner.
Pressure growing from Croatia, but Morocco keeper Yassine Bounou claims easily.
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
72 mins: Modric plays in a terrific free-kick and it’s acrobatically cleared by Morocco in the box!
Croatia corner...
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
71 mins: Croatia enjoying a sustained period of possession here, but not really doing an awful lot with it - Morocco very solid in their shape.
Another sub: Kramaric OFF, Livaja ON.
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
65 mins: What a strike from Hakimi!
The ball is laid off to the PSG defender who smashes a 30-yard shot with immense power... but it’s straight at Croatia keeper Dominik Livaković, who palms it away!
Got the crowd off their seats though. Meanwhile, Morocco make another sub: Boufal comes off for Ezzalzouli.
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
64 mins: Hakimi makes a storming run down the right but his cross into the box misses everyone!
Morocco now with a free-kick 10 yards outside the box, centre-left of the pitch. Decent opening again...
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments