Prediction: Croatia win
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We ve arrived at the final stretch of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and while the game we re focusing on today isn t the big one, it s still important to praise the two nations involved. Croatia and Morocco have fought incredibly hard throughout the course of the tournament and this weekend, they ll collide with the honour of being named the third best team in the FWC on the line.
Croatia
Croatia were believed to have peaked back in 2018 when they shocked the world to reach the World Cup final. They fell at the last hurdle to France and given their ageing squad, the popular opinion was that they d struggle this time around. Alas, that didn t prove to be the case whatsoever, as they were able to dig deep and make an astonishing run to the semis before being knocked out by Argentina.
Team News
Stanisic and Juranovic are expected to miss out here but aside from that, Croatia should have a fully fit squad.
Morocco
The Atlas Lions of Morocco have done the continent of Africa and the Arab world incredibly proud. Some saw them as underdogs throughout but the way they performed indicated that they should, in many cases, have been the favourites in their games after all. A clash with reigning world champions France proved to be a step too far, but they have absolutely nothing to be ashamed about after the last few weeks.
Team News
Aguerd is unlikely to feature after picking up an injury prior to the France game whereas Saiss was also forced off in the semi-final.
Factors to Consider
In their group stage meeting, Morocco and Croatia drew 0-0.
Croatia have won one, drawn four and lost one of their six World Cup games.
Morocco have won three, drawn two and lost one of their six World Cup games.
Croatia have scored six goals and conceded six at the World Cup.
Morocco have scored five goals and conceded three and the World Cup.
Conclusion
While we d love to go down the predictable route of assuming this will play out all the way through to penalties, we simply don t think that ll be the case. Both sides will be tired and probably won t be all too invested in this game, but we still picture one team emerging with a bit of a spark and that s Croatia. With this being Modric s swansong, he ll want to bow out with a bronze medal.
Prediction: Croatia win
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