Morocco and Croatia face off in a must-win Group F game that could determine their inclusion in the World Cup 2022 third-place playoff. But Zlatko Dalic’s side are the more formidable outfit, having overcome injuries with ease to build momentum heading into this matchup.
Marko Livaja and Luka Modric should lead Croatia into their opening match at this tournament, boasting a midfield trio comprised of Mateo Kovacic, Brozovic and Vlasic which has impressed many teams during this tournament.
In this article, we will discuss the main points of Croatia National Football Team vs Morocco National Football Team Lineups.
Morocco XI National Football Team
Morocco stands as one of the most successful African teams when it comes to reaching knockout rounds of World Cup competitions and reaching finals matches since becoming independent nation in 1956. They have appeared six times as winners.
Walid Regragui has selected an elite roster for this AFCON qualifier matchup between Atlas Lions and Central African Republic, fielding Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou between the posts. Defenders Nayef Aguerd and Romain Saiss should retain their starting positions after impressive performances against Central African Republic in previous rounds of matches. Manchester United fullback Noussair Mazraoui may provide additional help in defense while Bayern Munich winger Youssef En-Nesyri could make his debut.
Forward Youssef Bennasser has been in impressive form and could start, although Fenerbahce striker Ounahi and Hakim Ziyech may challenge for starting spots as well. Manchester United midfielder Adrien Rabiot may miss out due to illness; Youssouf Fofana will replace him. Similarly, Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano may make way for Ibrahima Konate as replacements; both players could serve as substitutes.
Croatia XI National Football Team
Given their respective circumstances, it’s truly amazing that Croatia and Morocco both made it this far. Both teams defied all odds to reach the semifinals; although they suffered defeat to Argentina and France respectively, their hearts are in the right place and now stand ready to fight it out for a bronze medal spot.
Zlatko Dalic will have the chance to give every player in his squad an opportunity in this third-place playoff, an ideal way of giving backup players some game experience. Luka Modric should lead Croatia forward alongside Mateo Kovacic as they attempt to repeat what happened at 1998 World Cup and earn another third-place finish.
Marcelo Brozovic remains in doubt following a hamstring injury he sustained against Argentina during their semi-final. Inter midfielder Brozovic was substituted off in the 50th minute as he will need close monitoring throughout. Josko Gvardiol could also miss out after needing injections against Messi in their defeat.
Lovro Majer and Josip Sutalo will be available to replace injured duo Ivica Olic and Milos Pavlovic in Croatia’s starting XI. With such an impressive team, this should be used against Checkered Ones in their matchup on April 1.
Morocco Goalkeeper
The Morocco national football team is a professional association football team from Morocco that competes internationally, continentally and in friendly matches. Established in 1928 and playing its inaugural match on 22 December against France B team for its inaugural game on 22 December 1928. Subsequently it joined African Confederation of Football (ACF) in 1966 before entering its inaugural final phase international tournament at Tokyo Olympics for 1964 Tokyo Olympic games.
Atlas Lions created shockwaves at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by reaching the semifinals and becoming only the third team from outside Europe ever to do so. Their impressive run included beating Croatia, Canada and Belgium while defeating both Spain and Portugal along the way.
Morocco’s success in the tournament can be largely attributed to their impenetrable defense, led by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou of Barcelona first-teamer. Bounou has won league titles on two continents – La Liga in Spain and UEFA Europa League in Morocco – and is widely considered one of the greatest goalkeepers worldwide. He started every match for Morocco this tournament without conceding a goal until Canada scored an own goal against them!
Croatia Goalkeeper Subs
Croatia’s run to the final in 2018 was one of the most incredible and unexpected feats ever witnessed at a World Cup tournament, and they hope to take that success even further this time around by using an unfamiliar format.
Croatia were runners-up at last year’s tournament and have been drawn in Group H alongside Jamaica, Japan and Argentina. They defeated Japan and Argentina during two preliminary matches that both went to extra time before winning each match overall.
Croatia defeated Brazil on penalties during their quarterfinal, leading to a victory that was widely celebrated across their country. Much of this success can be credited to Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic – 27 years old goalie made four saves during shootout along with Argentina’s Sergio Goycochea and Danijel Subasic being one of only three keepers ever having saved over three penalty kicks at any World Cup tournament!
Livakovic will be joined against Morocco by first-choice goalkeeper Vedran Likakovic of Croatia. Ajax goalkeeper Josip Sutalo returns from hip injury as do Fiorentina’s Marin Pongracic and Southampton’s Duje Caleta-Car. Alen Boksic would have provided another goalkeeping option but due to knee problems is out. So Croatia will rely on their back four of two center backs and two defensive midfielders in order to stem Morocco’s counterattacks.
Morocco Midfielders
Morocco will take to the field against Croatia with an eye towards earning third place at this year’s World Cup and earning themselves some valuable prize money as compensation for their semifinal defeat to France.
Atlas Lions possess a formidable attacking duo in Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui who lead them with flair, and an experienced midfield led by Hakim Ziyech who can cause havoc through link-up play.
Nacer Chadli from Tottenham Hotspur will strengthen the squad. Since making his national team debut in 2022, his direct running down the right wing has impressed both Chelsea manager Luis Enrique and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.
Zlatko Dalic’s team are not expected to do well in Qatar, but an emphatic win against Morocco could set them on their way. Marko Livaja and Kristijan Jakic did not get an opportunity to play against Riyadh’s African giants but are expected to return fit against Morocco. Croatia are known to rely heavily on Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic in their central area, which should help get things underway early for them in Qatar.
Croatia Midfielders Subs
Croatia have been the superior team during the opening half, posing an obvious threat to Morocco’s defensive efforts. They have managed to maintain possession in the final third while pressing back hard against their Atlas Lion opponents in search of weak spots and looking for gaps to exploit.
RB Marcin Gordicic and defender Marin Pongracic appeared caught off-guard, yet should quickly adjust. Meanwhile, Josko Gvardiol struggled against Spain but will look to improve in his performance against Portugal in another semifinal.
Luka Modric’s side are lacking an experienced holding midfielder, which could become an issue if Morocco manage to get their shape correct. Modric and Kaka may cover some space upfront but that leaves gaps behind them that a more traditional midfielder would be better at filling.
Croatia stunned the world when they reached the final of last edition, only to be comfortably seen off by France. Now they will look to repeat that success in 2022, starting their campaign with a trip to Qatar where they face Morocco again; it will be a repeat of 2018 semi-final where Mattia Zaccagni’s late equaliser denied them their fairytale ending.
Morocco Forwards
Morocco sent shockwaves through football when they made history at the 2022 World Cup by becoming the first African team ever to reach a semifinal. Although grouped with European powerhouses such as Belgium and Spain, Morocco managed to defeat both before making it all the way into the last four.
Walid Regragui has designed an efficient team focused on defense that can create chances and punish teams that underestimate them, leading them to reach the final match against France in Paris. They held off Spain in a penalty shootout before smashing Portugal en route to reaching this year’s tournament finals.
The Atlas Lions boast a strong attacking lineup and are capable of creating many chances from both wings and inside the box. Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui and Arsenal’s Hakim Ziyech, in particular, can pose serious threats on either flank. Bayern’s Noussair Mazraoui can operate as either fullbacks or on wings to trouble opposing defenses; strikers Abderazak Hamdallah and Ryan Mmaee can score goals both powerfully and stylishly while Bari forward Walid Cheddira may feature following Morocco coach unveiling his squad on Thursday; Cheddira shared an emotional post celebrating inclusion with family and friends on social media.
