Under the Moroccan National Anthem, the loyal Moroccan crowd, present at all its teams challenges sang in pride and waved flags as the Atlas Lions prepare to take on Croatia, an end to what has been nothing but a Historic campaign for the national team.
Kick off starts at the Khalifa Stadium, a contest for the third place in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Croatia will look to finish its world cup campaign on a positive note.
16:10 – Although the game started slow, the Croatian side managed a well orchestrated free kick which saw Gvardiol find a good opportunity to score and lead the game for Croatia.
16:11 – The Croatian team did not manage to maintain its lead as Achraf Dari from a well crossed ball finds Livakovic’s net.
16:12 – Moroccan fans are relieved to see their Lions reply so quickly to the early goal from the Croats.
16:25 – Steady posession for both sides, Walid Regragui decides to lead his side on a 4-3-3 to thwart a well organized Croatia. A different instruction in the game for the wingers as Hakim Ziyech covers the right flank, while Boufal takes the former’s left side.
16:44 – 5 minutes before half-time, and the Atlas Lions have orchestrated the first half on their own terms.
At the 42’ mark, a brilliant shot from Stanisic gives the lead to Croatia, making it 2-1.
17:16 – Ounahi comes in for El Khannous, the youngest Arab player to feature in the World Cup.
17:24 – Achraf Dari, who had discomforts during the first half, cannot finish the game and is replaced by Bennoun, Burnley winger Zaroury gets the nod the replace Sofiane Boufal.
17:47 90th minute in the game and Morocco is still trailing, Ziyech and company have tried all options to break through the solid Croatian defense but to no avail.
17:50 6 minutes of added time, Morocco will try to get back on the game, and find the cutting edge that they’ve been lacking throughout the match.
17:58: The Match ends, with a win for Croatia 2-1, an honorable performance for the Moroccan side, who looked to finish tournament with a win, tough luck for the Atlas Lions who gave it all, but go back to the dressing room under the applause of the thousands of fans in the Khalifa Stadium, Croatia were the better side, using their opportunities to their fullest and not leaving much room for the wave of Moroccan attacks throughout the game.
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