History-maker: Josko Gvardiol is the youngest player to score for Croatia at a World Cup finals
(Picture: REUTERS)Croatia have finished third at the 2022 World Cup after beating Morocco in the third-place play-off.
During an entertaining first half, Croatia took the lead as Josko Gvardiol emphatically headed home a well-worked free-kick routine.
Within minutes, however, Morocco equalised as Achraf Dari capitalised on some poor defending to score from a set-piece.
Mislav Orsic restored Croatia’s lead just before the break and that is how the game finished, with neither side able to score in the second half.
Simon Collings was at the Khalifa International Stadium to see Croatia in action...
Dominik Livakovic 6
Had a pretty uneventful evening all in all as Morocco did not test him much. Made one huge save to deny Youssef En-Nesyri.
Josip Stanisic 7
Handed his first start of the tournament and had a solid game. Kept Sofiane Boufal quiet.
Josip Sutalo 7
Brought into the heart of the defence and had a decent game all things considered. Only 22 and looks promising.
Josko Gvardiol 8
Opened the scoring with a brilliant header from a well-worked set-piece. The youngest Croatian in history to score at a World Cup.
Ivan Perisic 8 | Star player
Created the opening goal with a lovely flicked header. Played left-back but got forward all game and was effective.
Luka Modric 7
In what could be his final World Cup game, the 37-year-old looked sharp and solid. Barely gave the ball away.
Mateo Kovacic 8
Was at the heart of a lot of Croatia’s good play. Made some excellent driving runs from midfield.
Lovro Majer 6
Helped create the opening goal with a free-kick. Had a howler for the Morocco goal as he flicked the ball on to Dari.
Andrej Kramaric 6
Picked to play as a no10 instead of up front. Had a few nice moments when he found pockets of space. Went off injured.
Mislav Orsic 7
Scored an excellent goal just before half-time as he curled one in off the post. Linked up well with Perisic.
Marko Livaja 6
Led the line fairly solidly if not stunningly. Involved in the second goal as he found Orsic, who curled the ball home.
Substitutions
Nikola Vlasic (Kramaric 61’) 6
Fired a shot from long range just over the bar.
Bruno Petkovic (Livaja 66’) 6
A bright cameo. Held the ball up well and brought others into play.
Mario Pasalic (Majer 66’) 6
Added some creativity to the No10 role for Croatia.
Kristijan Jakic (Orsic 90’) N/A
