Croatia vs. Morocco highlights: Croatia wins third-place game, 2-1
Croatia took down Morocco Saturday at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar in the 2022 FIFA World Cup third-place game.
It was the penultimate match in this 2022 World Cup ahead of Sunday's final between Argentina and France (coverage begins at 9 a.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app).
Morocco had a dream run to the semifinals before falling just short of the ultimate goal, becoming the first African nation to make it that far. Croatia, meanwhile, hushed the doubters who were skeptical the team could replicate its success from 2018 and showed it can be a contender for years to come. Both teams approached Saturday's game like it is the World Cup final.
- Croatia edges Morocco for third place in World Cup 2022
- Croatia should return to World Cup contention, even without Luka Modric
- Morocco looks back at historic World Cup run with pride
Here are the top plays!
Croatia vs. Morocco highlights
7': GOAL!
Croatia struck first in the opening minutes, as defender Joško Gvardiol knocked in a straight-on header to give it the early lead.
Croatia's Joško Gvardiol scores vs. Morocco in 6'
9': Got it right back!
Moments later, Morocco evened up the score at one apiece when defender Achraf Dari knocked in a header.
Morocco's Achraf Dari scores goal vs. Croatia in 9'
24': Bono says no
Croatia nearly took the lead back when midfielder Luka Modrić got off a reasonable shot, but the Morocco goalkeeper denied the attempt.
The finesse
Morocco midfielder Sofiane Boufal pulled off this pretty pass.
42': Croatia pounces
Morocco was unable to get the ball out of harm's way, and Croatia took advantage when forward Mislav Oršić smacked in a score on the right side of the net. Croatia took a 2-1 lead, which was the score at halftime.
Croatia's Mislav Orsic scores goal vs. Morocco in 42'
Emotional injury
Croatia forward Andrej Kramarić left the game with an injury early in the second half and was overcome with emotion.
75': Almost!
Morocco had a golden opportunity to tie it when forward Youssef En-Nesyri had a close-up shot attempt, but goalkeeper Dominik Livaković rejected the shot, and Croatia later got the ball away from the net.
90+6': A little high
En-Nesyri had a last-ditch header attempt go a little north of the net, which would be the final shot of the game.
Pregame scene
Croatia and Morocco's walk-outs and national anthems ahead of third place game
Pregame chatter
Read more from the World Cup:
- Who's deeper, France or Argentina? Our ultimate World Cup XI
- 5 keys to Argentina-France World Cup final: How to slow Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi
- For Lionel Messi, France is the perfect challenge as he chases immortality
- France is ready to rain on Lionel Messi's parade
- France aiming to complete own fairytale amid Messi's legendary quest
- Lionel Messi's viral speech gives rare look at his leadership style
- France still fighting flu-like symptoms ahead of World Cup final
- Unburdened Lionel Messi looks to lift final weight
- Lionel Messi's World Cup résumé stands apart as he reaches second final
- How defending champs have fared in World Cup: France eyes history
- World Cup 2022 odds: Messi new favorite to win Golden Ball, tournament MVP
- Golden Boot Race Tracker: World Cup 2022 top goal scorers
Check out the full schedule for the World Cup and how to watch each match live here.
