Croatia bests Morocco 2-1 in third place World Cup match.

DOHA – Canada’s run at this year’s FIFA World Cup may have been relatively short lived, but as the tournament proceeds, onlookers around the world are beginning to realize the group of death that Canada’s Group F was. 

Croatia and Morocco both put together terrific runs that saw them advance as far as the semi-finals.

Despite both failing to advance further, the unlikely rematch saw Croatia edge out a Cinderella story Morocco team 2-1 for third place bragging rights. 

Despite the slow burn that soccer can sometimes be, this one wasted no time getting right into the action. A Croatian free kick just seven minutes into the match resulted in a beautiful set piece goal from the finishing header of Josko Gvardiol for the quick one-goal lead. But Morocco answered almost instantly in the ninth minute with an Achraf Dari finish off a Moroccan free-kick.

Things settled down for most of the first half following the quick start, when in the 42nd minute, the Croatians looked for one final push before the break. The ball found its way to the feet of Mislav Orsic who finessed a floater over the outstretched arms of Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou, off the far post and in. 

The Croatians were able to fend off a late onslaught of attacks from a desperate second half Moroccan team to secure the victory, and with it, third place. 

There remains just one more game at the tournament now with the finals set for Sunday morning between France and Argentina.