The efficiency of the vice world champion in his opening recreation in opposition to Morocco was greater than combined. The co-favourites needed to accept a goalless draw.
Even the Moroccans made a barely higher soccer impression in a reasonably uneventful encounter on Wednesday afternoon (November 23, 2022). Especially within the first part, the outsider knew please with a pleasing and technically clear recreation. Croatia, in the meantime, had been unable to deliver their particular person superiority into the sport in a worthwhile method over virtually all the distance.
“It was the tough game that we expected. They were compact and well organized. We were afraid of making mistakes. And we lacked depth and breadth,” mentioned coach Zlatko Dalic. In the second group recreation subsequent Sunday (November twenty seventh, 2022) in opposition to Canada, the Europeans should enhance considerably to underpin their title ambitions. Morocco meets Belgium on the identical day.
Morocco courageous however innocent in assault
Outsiders Morocco loved sturdy help from their followers at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khour. The supporters clearly outnumbered them within the state-of-the-art soccer temple and witnessed a powerful efficiency by the Northwest Africans within the first half.
Chelsea star Ziyech is Morocco’s coronary heart
Coach Walid Regragui’s group defended in a really disciplined and concentrated method and performed ahead with coronary heart and thoughts. Again and once more the assaults had been initiated on the fitting aspect, on which the previous Dortmund Achraf Hakimi excelled with a whole lot of working. The 24-year-old was usually staged by Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech, the linchpin of Morocco’s recreation.
“Lions of Atlas” like toothless tigers
The large shortcoming of the 1976 African champions, nevertheless, was the end. In the final third of the sphere, the “Lions of Atlas” acted like toothless tigers earlier than the break. Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic didn’t face a severe check within the first 45 minutes.
Croatia solely harmful shortly earlier than the break
And what did the vice world champion do? Unquestionably not sufficient for a title contender. Only within the remaining part of the primary half did coach Zlatko Dalic’s group boost their hitherto reasonably tasteless look with a pinch of pepper.
And probabilities arose instantly: Nikola Vlasic failed from shut vary on the brilliantly reacting goalkeeper Yassine Bounou (45 + 1), 60 seconds later a shot from celebrity Luka Modric rushed simply over the objective posts.
Only one probability for Morocco
After the change of sides, the Croatians tried to extend the stress on Morocco. The Dalic group now ran the Africans a little bit increased, however initially needed to survive a second of shock when Youssef En-Nesyri headed the ball after a deflected shot from a good angle, however keeper Livakovic was capable of save (51′).
Bayern skilled Mazraoui changed injured
For En-Nesyri’s team-mate Noussair Mazraoui, the sport was over shortly afterwards. The FC Bayern Munich defender had to get replaced injured (sixtieth). According to first impressions, the 25-year-old was not almost as badly hit as his French FCB colleague Lucas Hernández the earlier night (November twenty second, 2022).
Tired remaining part with no probabilities to attain
Mazraoui’s elimination didn’t have a detrimental affect. Morocco’s protection remained strong in opposition to the Croatians, who had been nonetheless uninspired. Moving ahead, nevertheless, the Africans additionally lacked conviction and willpower within the second leg. From the sport, each groups achieved little or nothing, noteworthy scenes within the penalty space remained briefly provide.
Since not one of the opponents was prepared to extend the chance within the remaining part, it remained 0-0 in one of many weakest video games of the desert World Cup up to now.
