World Cup: Croatia vs. Morocco Preview, Odds, Prediction

Croatia faces Morocco in the game for third place in the 2022 World Cup. The Croats have already won the bronze once before, in 1998, and four years ago, they were second behind France. So with this victory, they can cement their place as one of the best football nations on the globe. Morocco, on the other hand, didn’t reach these heights before, as well as any nation from Africa. A win here would mean the world to the Moroccans, and they, too, have a massive motive to come out and win.

Preview

Croatia (+145) stumbled upon Argentina in the semis to lose 3-0 and end its run of invincibility in Qatar. To be honest, they didn’t deserve to reach the semis, with only one win in five games. When you look at Croatia’s games, we can see that they had a lot of luck, whether it was in offense or defense.

First of all, they squeezed into the round of 16 only because of Lukaku’s massive misses. Then they had Livakovic against Korea and Brazil, especially in the second event when he saved 11 shots and a couple of penalties.

Overall, Croatia’s defense has many flaws, but the midfield covered most of it, with Modric leading the way and playing magnificently. Luka is truly one of the best ever to play football, and that’s a fact.

As said, Croats had four draws, one win, and now have one loss at the World Cup, playing very dull matches that usually ended with fewer than three goals. That is, four of the past six concluded like that.

Morocco (+210) faced something against France they haven’t at the tournament, which is an early deficit. But even so, Ziyech and the boys adapted, missing a few very good chances to level the score and get back into the fight.

But unfortunately, a lack of concentration and a shortage of fortune were the main factors that prevented the African side from hitting the back of the rival’s net. This was only the second game at the tournament in which Morocco allowed a goal.

In the past 10 events, in eight, these boys kept the rivals away from the scoresheet, and in the majority of them, Morocco won contests. This team plays a bit of dull football but is very tactical and disciplined.

Latest News

All the Croatian players have been cleared to play Saturday’s game.

On the other side, captain, Saiss, left the pitch against France, as he had already dealt with an injury earned against Portugal in the quarterfinals. He is questionable.

Head to Head Games

Croatia and Morocco played in the opening game of their group, and the result was 0-0. It was a boring matchup without notable chances for scoring on either side. It was quite possibly the worst game of the tournament.

Prediction

We expect nothing other than the replay of the previous meeting between these two units. That’s why our pick here is under 2.5 goals, with the current odds on that bet set at -105, which is excellent. Regardless of what many think, this matchup will be very competitive.

Pick: Under 2.5 goals -105