Qatar 2022: Morocco Hold Croatia To 0-0 Draw

Morocco made a fair entry into the 2022 World Cup with a zero-all tie against 2018 beaten finalists Croatia.

The Atlas Lions resisted against Croatia for 90 minutes, and left Group F open for the taking.

In a ramped up Al Bayt Stadium filled with Moroccan supporters, the Atlas Lions stayed compact and virtually frustrated Luca Modric and co till the end.

In the first half, Morocco perfectly managed their match, especially in the heart of the defense. The Moroccan midfielders cut the Croatia’s passes, preventing the Brozovic-Modric-Kovacic trio from feeding the attackers.

The only clear cut chance fell for Croatia, and they almost opened the scores but Yassine Bounou put up a magnificent save faced against Nikola Vlašić (45 + 1) and Modric’s follow-up on the rebound went just wide.

At the start of the second half, Morocco offered themselves their first big chance.

A burst of pace from Hakimi led to a cross towards the left, but Noussair Mazraoui stumbled just as he was about heading the ball, failing to generate enough power to beat Livakovic at the 51st minute.

Mazraoui later left the field injured as an aftermath of the action, leaving his place for Yahya Attiat-Allah.

The substitution didn’t change Morocco’s shape. Achraf Hakimi’s 65th minute shot from range stung the palms of goalkeeper Livakovic.

The Atlas Lions boldly played their offensive cards, and defended for the remainder of the 90.
At the end, Morocco had more shots (8).

The draw, however, keeps Walid Regragui’s men well on course for qualification. The next meeting for Morocco will be on Sunday against Belgium.