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.
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
44 mins: Vlasic all OK to continue.
Back underway... just a minute or so until the 25 minutes of added time or whatever it will be!
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
42 mins: It’s a poor delivery from Hakim Ziyech, who fails to beat the first man.
He then thinks he’s fouled, but gets no decision. “You’re joking,” he screams at the Argentine linesman. Not sure he’ll understand you, Hakim...
Break in play too with Croatia’s Nikola Vlašić down and receiving treatement/
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
40 mins: Maybe Modric is immune to a booking!
He tugs Hakimi’s shirt on the right-hand side - clear free-kick. Good angle this for Morocco...
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
35 mins: Morocco enjoying the majority of possession in the last five minutes, with Croatia struggling to get out of their own half with the African team pressing intensely.
Still, has been a bitty 10 minutes or so in Al Khor.
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
30 mins: After his earlier foul on Hakimi, Modric perhaps lucky to get away without a booking here after a late lunge on Sofyan Amrabat.
Game has gone into a slight lull here. Remains very even.
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
25 mins: En-Neysri makes an excellent run into the box, tries to control but Lovren gets a foot in at the crucial moment.
Morocco look threatening in attack though!
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
21 mins: Ziyech is the man who takes the set-piece... but the Croatia wall stands firm and blocks.
The 2018 finalists break down the other end - and get a corner out of it, but nothing comes of it.
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
19 mins: Modric upends Hakimi just outside the penalty area, centre of the pitch!
The Croat wins the ball but does catch Hakimi on the follow-through.
Big chance now for either Ziecyh or Hakimi...
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
18 mins: Ziyech again looking to provide. His cross is whipped beautifully in for En-Nesyri, but the Morocco striker fluffs his lines and misses his header!
Morocco 0-0 Croatia
17 mins: Woah... so close from Ivan Perisic!
The Tottenham man has a go from a good 30 yards with his left-foot... but it’s just over the bar!
It looked set for the top-corner - it would have been the goal of the tournament so far! Great effort.
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