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 0-0 Japan: Germany say Fifa ‘denied us a voice’ after covering mouths in statement at World Cup
Germany players covered their mouths in a World Cup 2022 statement before their match with Japan.
Die Mannschaft lined up for the photo opportunity on the pitch before the Group E match at the Khalifa International Stadium, collectively covering their mouths.
Some have interpreted it as a response in the row over being censored by Fifa over support for the ‘One Love’ initiative.
A statement from the German FA read: “We wanted to use our captain’s armband to take a stand for values that we hold in the Germany national team: diversity and mutual respect. Together with other nations, we wanted our voice to be heard.
“It wasn’t about making a political statement – human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us. Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.”
Germany’s soccer team players cover their mouth during the World Cup group E soccer match against Japan
German Federal Minister of the Interior and Community Nancy Faeser could be seen in the stands wearing the One Love armband before kick-off.
It is the latest development in the row with the world governing body over the symbol in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.
Germany say Fifa ‘denied us a voice’ after covering mouths in statement at World Cup
Fifa have threatened unspecified sporting sanctions against players who wear the rainbow band
Germany 0-0 Japan
22 mins: Raum sloppily loses the ball in his own half - Japan rapid to counter and the underdogs have a corner, but are unable to fashion a chance from it.
Germany 0-0 Japan
21 mins: First real bit of incisive play from the Germans!
The ball falls to Josh Kimmich who works Japan keeper Shūichi Gonda with a decent strike, while the follow-up goes astray and is given offside anyway.
Tell you what, when the Japan fans have a breather, it’s very, very quiet at the Khalifa International Stadium - you can hear the players talk to each other!
Germany 0-0 Japan
16 mins: Close from Rudiger!
A chipped corner to the back post is met by the head of Antonio Rudiger, whose header sails just wide of the near post!
Not a bad chance that - the Real Madrid defender’s reaction says that he should’ve done better!
Germany 0-0 Japan
14 mins: Japan doing a good job of nullifying any German threat at the moment - they press rapidly when Germany enter their half.
Right back Hiroki Sakai down injured after a tackle on David Raum - clash of legs. Fine to continue.
Germany 0-0 Japan
8 mins: It’s a terrific Japan counter-attack which ends with a goal... but it’s offside!
Daizen Maeda converts at the back post but he’s gone too early, clearly a yard or so offside!
He didn’t need to be either! Let-off for the Germans, with Gundogan losing the ball cheaply in midfield this time.
Germany 0-0 Japan
5 mins: Musiala this time gives the ball away in midfield and Ilkay Gundogan has to cover for him - Japan with the first corner of the match.
Headed comfortably away by Gnabry.
Germany 0-0 Japan
2 mins: Bright start from Germany, with Musiala involved from the off - he wins the ball in the centre of the park but can’t quite find the right pass into the box.
Japan sitting off, relatively deep in their shape early on...
Germany vs Japan: Kick-off!
We’re underway at the Khalifa International Stadium for this opening Group E clash!
Germany in their traditional white shirts and black shorts, with Japan in dark blue shirts and white shorts.
Germany vs Japan: A reminder of the teams!
Germany: Neuer; Schlotterbeck, Sule, Rudiger, Raum; Kimmich, Gundogan; Gnabry, Muller, Musiala; Havertz
Japan: Gonda; Sakai, Itakura, Yoshida, Ito, Nagatomo; Endo, Tanaka; Kubo, Kamada, Maeda
A pretty pointed Germany team photo before the game too... silenced?
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