Croatia vs Morocco : Third Place Play Off
Croatia got passed Morocco at the Khalifa International Stadium and secured 3rd place and a podium finish following their runners up effort four years ago in Russia. It was another well fought and closely contested match which went in favour of an extremely determined Croatia.
Croatia’s First Half
Croatia scored in the 7th minute through Josko Gvardiol. Morocco gave an immediate response and equalised in the 9th minute through their centre back Achraf Dari. However the first half saw Croatia dominate possession and appeared more likely to score and so they did in the 42nd minute when Mislav Orsic got past Bono.
Morocco Try Hard, But Croatia Hang On
The second half saw Morocco trying hard to equalise but were denied by a resolute Croatia side. Moroccans have been suffering a bit in their finishing efforts and again it was the same story. Several chances went a begging and even En-Neysri who is very good with headers missed a great opportunity in stoppage time. He jumped over all others, but his strike just scraped the cross bar to go over it. It was not to be. Croatia deservedly won the 3rd place play off with a 2-1 scoreline.
Ambitions shape Destinies
Croatia : They just keep coming back / Pic Courtesy CNN
When the World Cup began in Qatar, Croatia were not expected to travel too far into the Tournament and the way England, Brazil and Spain began their campaign, hardly anyone gave Croatia a chance. Belgium too was there in the reckoning. However what transpired eventually is a lesson for everyone. It is not about talent and skill always and a lot depends on your inner strengths, your mental make up, how ambitious you are, how tenacious is your demeanour and how resolute you may be in trying times. Croatia is one such shining example.
Croatia’s Character : A lesson indeed
The Round of 16 clash with Japan and the Quarter Final against Brazil are testimony to the Spirit of Croatia. In both matches they fell a goal behind. But came back strongly, equalised and pushed the game into a nerve wracking Penalty Shoot out. The ability to keep pushing and never say die is loaded and embedded in the Croatian Teams’s character. They never let their shoulders drop and held their nerve to dislodge the Japanese and the mighty Brazilians. Though they could not get past Argentina, they still gave an excellent account of themselves in the 3rd place play off and will leave Qatar with their heads held high.
Kudos to Luka Modric and his Team….Truly Inspirational.
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Featured Image : Courtesy Eurosport