DOHA: Croatia defeated Morocco 2-1 within the Global Cup 1/3 position play-off on Saturday, with Mislav Orsic curling house the winner. Josko Gvardiol, one of the most stars of the match in Qatar, headed Croatia into the lead within the 7th minute on the Khalifa World Stadium however Achraf Dari introduced Morocco degree in an instant.
Orsic’s terrific curling strike past due within the first half of ensured Croatia took house the bronze medal, the eleventh Global Cup in a row a Eu crew has completed 1/3. Morocco, the primary Global Cup semi-finalists in historical past, had signaled their intent with a spirited show towards 2018 runners-up Croatia of their opening sport in Qatar.
The rematch used to be not anything just like the cagey 0-0 draw within the team level, with Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou dangerously with reference to passing the ball into his personal internet early on. Croatia quickly surged in entrance from a well-rehearsed free-kick as Ivan Perisic nodded Lovro Majer’s clip into the field again in opposition to a diving Gvardiol, who planted his header into the nook. However Morocco hit again two mins later when Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick looped up off the top of Majer, permitting Dari to go previous Dominik Livakovic.
Andrej Kramaric headed instantly at Bounou, who then did properly to scoop the ball to protection as Marko Livaja closed in after spilling a power from Luka Modric. Orsic curled in brilliantly by the use of the submit from the nook of the field to position Croatia again on most sensible prior to half-time after 18-year-old Morocco debutant Bilal El Khannouss misplaced the ball deep in his half of. Orsic once more went shut moments after the restart, his goalbound effort brushing Jawad El Yamiq and fizzing narrowly previous the submit.
Croatia have been livid when Gvardiol tumbled throughout the space when his foot gave the look to be stuck via Sofyan Amrabat, however there used to be no VAR assessment. It might have proved a match-changing second had Youssef En-Nesyri discovered a well past Livakovic, who unfold himself beautifully to dam the striker from shut vary.
Mateo Kovacic put large with the danger to position the sport past doubt. Morocco had a past due penalty attraction became down and En-Nesyri headed simply over however the Atlas Lions may no longer give you the option again after their ancient run. – AFP