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.
Germany 2-0 Japan (Havertz 45+4’)
45+4 mins: Germany have their second - if Havertz is onside!
Excellent play from the Germans. Havertz taps in at the back post from Gnabry’s saved shot.
Ah, replays show he is offside... VAR is checking.
Germany 1-0 Japan
45 mins: The first bit is tremendous from Jamal Musiala - the second not so good!
The Bayern man loses his marker on the edge of the box... but his shot is high above the crossbar!
Should’ve hit the target. Four minutes of added time at the end of the first-half.
Germany 1-0 Japan
44 mins: Germany just seeing out the half now, with Japan looking slightly out on their feet after a heavy half of pressing.
Germany 1-0 Japan
41 mins: Japan just in need of half-time here you feel.
They haven’t been awful, but Germany’s pressure really building now - Kimmich is the latest to have a shot from distance, but it sails high into the stands!
Mexican wave now starting around the stadium. Not for me, Clive.
Germany 1-0 Japan
36 mins: Not a bad immediate response from Japan!
A few quick breaks down the right presents some opportunities... but the final ball lets them down!
Germany 1-0 Japan (Gunodgan pen, 33)
33 mins: Germany lead!
Ilkay Gundogan lifts the ball and goes down the middle, while Gonda dives to his left.
Very composed from the midfielder! Hansi Flick’s side are ahead... on the last 10 minutes, it had been coming!
Germany 0-0 Japan
31 mins: PENALTY TO GERMANY!
Japan rush out and Raum is in the box from left-back. He cuts back and looks to be taken out by goalkeeper Gonda! Not much contact... but enough!
The referee, from El Salvador, points to the spot after a short delay!
Needless from the keeper. Didn’t need to commit... Ilkay Gundogan is over it!
VAR check confirmed, penalty given.
Germany 0-0 Japan
29 mins: An even better opening for Gundogan!
This time Germany streak down the left - Raum’s cut back is parried by Gonda straight to Gundogan, but his goalbound shot is blocked... surely he had to lift the ball there?!
Germans well on top now!
Germany 0-0 Japan
28 mins: Much better from Germany!
They move the ball well down the right and Gnabry sets up Gundogan outside the box, but the Man City midfielder’s strike is comfortable for Gonda - straight down his throat.
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