Josko Gvardiol and Mislav Orsic scored outstanding goals as Croatia defeated Morocco 2-1 to take third place for the second time in World Cup history.
While the 37-year-old has committed to play in the Nations League finals next summer, the victory also allows Croatia captain Luka Modric to finish what is likely to be his final World Cup with a bronze medal. After finishing as runners-up to France four years ago, Croatia’s victory secured their third top-three finish at the World Cup, while Morocco’s loss cost them the chance to become the first African country to win a medal at the competition.
Gvardiol’s incredible diving header in the seventh minute gave the Crotas the lead, capping off a strong campaign for the 20-year-old centre-back. Veteran Ivan Perisic headed the ball across goal from a well-executed Croatian free kick for the diving Gvardiol to beat Yassine Bounou in goal.
The advantage, however, was short-lived as in the ninth minute, Achraf Dari nodded in from close range after Majer’s headed clearance from a free-kick by Hakim Ziyech.
Croatia regained the lead three minutes before halftime when Marko Livaja set up Orsic, who beat Bounou with a first-time right-footed shot. Orsic’s first-time shot inside the box, which was deflected past Bounou and in off the far post, gave Zlatko Dalic’s side their initial lead back in the 42nd minute.
Youssef en-Nesyri came agonisingly close to scoring yet another equaliser, but Dominik Livakovic was up to the task, as he pulled off a fantastic save to ensure that Croatia sealed their second World Cup bronze medal after first achieving the feat way back in 1998.
If Modric, who was making his 162nd appearance for his nation, is going to end his international career, RB Leipzig youngster Gvardiol in Qatar has emerged as a prospective future captain.
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