Croatia will be up against Morocco to decide who will be the second runners-up at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar on Saturday. Croatia and Morocco both faced defeat in their respective semi-finals to end up playing in the third-place play-offs.
The Croats were defeated by Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina 3-0. Lionel Messi’s strike from the penalty spot and a Julian Alvarez brace ensured La Albiceleste qualified for a second final in three World Cups. Meanwhile, Morocco failed to get past Didier Deschamps’ France as they were defeated 2-0. Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani got the goals for France to set up a final against Argentina.
What time Croatia vs Morocco will start?
Date: 17th December 2022
Time: 10 a.m. ET/ 7 a.m. PT
Location: Khalifa International Stadium, Qatar
How to watch Croatia vs Morocco in the US?
For soccer fans in the USA, the FIFA World Cup 2022 third-place playoff will be telecasted live on Fox in English and on Telemundo in Spanish. Live streaming will be available on the Fox Sports app, Peacock Premium, fuboTV, and FoxSports.com.
This is going to be a fun one 🔥đź‡đź‡·đź‡˛đź‡¦
Who is coming out with the W in the third-place match on Saturday, Croatia or Morocco? pic.twitter.com/34yrUZdBxq
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 15, 2022
Croatia vs Morocco: FIFA World Cup prediction
Croatia was on its way to successive World Cup finals before it was thwarted by a determined Lionel Messi entourage. However, Luka Modric and Co. had another great and gritty run at the World Cup.
They finished second in the group that was topped by their opponents for the playoffs, Morocco. The two teams played out a 0-0 draw in the first group game. Croatia defeated Canada 4-1 and drew 0-0 against Belgium to knock Belgium out of the group stage.
So, we meet again. 👋 @EnMaroc #FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022 #Vatreni❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/8ojw3EC3aw
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) December 14, 2022
Zlatko Dalic’s men faced Japan in the Round of 16 and defeated them on penalties 1(3)-1(1). Another 120 minutes later in the quarter-finals, Croatia defeated mighty Brazil on penalties 1(4)-1(2).
Morocco’s resilience stems from its defense. They defeated both Belgium and Canada on their way to topping the group. Luis Enrique’s men were next as Spain was beaten 0(3)-0(0) on penalties in the RO16. Morocco went on to crush Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream by beating them 1-0 in the quarter-finals.
However, Romain Saiss, Morocco’s captain and center-back is effectively out of the playoffs after he limped off in the semifinal against France. This hole in the Moroccan defense will likely not be filled completely.
The third place is set to go Croatia’s way with their experience fitness counting for more.
