World Cup 2022: Croatia 2-1 Morocco: Josko Gvardiol, Achraf Dari and Mislav Orsic rating

Croatia’s third top-three end on the World Cup has a “golden layer”, stated boss Zlatko Dalic after his aspect clinched a play-off victory over history-makers Morocco.

In a frantic opening, Josko Gvardiol gave Croatia the lead on seven minutes with an excellent diving header however Achraf Dari levelled simply two minutes later by nodding dwelling from shut vary.

Mislav Orsic curled in a luxurious second for Croatia through the publish three minutes earlier than half-time and struck a thumping, deflected drive into the side-netting after the break.

The second half couldn’t match the power of an exciting opening interval and Morocco failed to search out an equaliser as a fruitful marketing campaign resulted in back-to-back defeats.

Dalic stated: “We received the bronze medal and it has a golden layer, it’s like we now have received the gold medal tonight.

“Preventing for the third place play-off and dropping would have been a catastrophe. That is the top of a cycle, finish of a journey. My gamers spared no efforts and these are what we work for.”

Modric makes Croatia tick once more

It is the sport no group needs to be concerned in however ultimately Croatia, a rustic with a inhabitants below 4 million, might be extremely glad with one other excellent exhibiting on the worldwide stage.

On the coronary heart of the group is influential skipper Luka Modric, operating the present as soon as once more on the age of 37 on his 162nd cap, although this might properly be his ultimate look at a World Cup.

“That is the final World Cup for a few of my gamers attributable to their age,” stated Dalic. “However we now have younger gamers in our group and there’s a nice hope for Croatia. We have now many younger gamers on the bench. The older gamers instil confidence in them.

“Croatia has nothing to worry for the long run. Is that this the top of an period? I consider not, we now have the Nations League and European Championship in 2024. I consider Croatia has a captivating future.”

Croatia’s opener was straight off the coaching floor, Ivan Perisic flicking on a free-kick that was latched on to by Gvardiol’s sensible end, flying by way of the air to go into the far nook.

However Morocco levelled instantly courtesy of Dari, a looping ball falling into his path to transform from just a few yards out and spark rowdy celebrations within the stands.

Teenage midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, making his Morocco debut at 18, confirmed assured touches however was culpable for Croatia’s second purpose, giving the ball away deep in his personal half and finally handing over victory.

Marko Livaja laid the ball off for Orsic, who curled an excellent first time end previous the despairing attain of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and into the online through the publish.

Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri had Morocco’s finest possibilities for an equaliser, forcing knockout spherical penalty hero Dominik Livakovic into a pointy save from shut vary and heading on to the roof of the online in harm time.

Walid Regragui’s males made historical past by changing into the primary African aspect to succeed in the semi-finals and their passionate gamers and supporters have lit up this event.

Their following sang and banged their drum for the whole thing of this sport and, regardless of being crushed within the final 4 by defending champions France and right here by Croatia, they are going to look again on their achievements at this event with fond reminiscences.

Regragui stated: “The doubts have been within the minds of everybody earlier than this event however we now have gone additional than anticipated and it’s not sufficient. That should set the instance for the long run.

“One thing that has touched me is after I see the images of kids as a result of soccer makes individuals dream. We have now allowed kids to dream, we now have saved these desires alive.

“Kids in Morocco and around the globe dream of successful the World Cup and meaning extra to me than successful any sport on the World Cup.

“We have now made a incredible achievement however we wish to try this once more. If we are able to preserve reaching the semi-final or quarter ultimate often, at some point we’ll win the World Cup.”

Participant of the match

ModricLuka Modric

Get the newest outcomes and purpose notifications for any group on the Fifa World Cup by downloading the BBC Sport app: Apple – Android – Amazon

Get your every day dose of Fifa World Cup response, debate & evaluation with World Cup Day by day on BBC Sounds