Croatia vs Morocco Predictions

• Never before has a World Cup third place play-off went to penalties
• Ten of the last 11 third place play-offs produced over 2.5 total goals
• Eight of the last 11 third place play-offs saw both teams score
• Youssef En-Nesyri has scored two match winning goals at this tournament

The history books will remember

Although many question the importance of the third place play-off, history will be made in this game regardless of the outcome.

Morocco are the first African nation to reach the top-four of a World Cup and that could yet become a bronze medal, and that’s not to mention the considerably higher prize money for finishing third!

On the other hand, arguably the greatest Croatian player of all time, 2018 Ballon D’or winner Luka Modric is likely to play his final game for his beloved nation here in Doha.

Croatia and Morocco have come full circle

Although both nations suffered defeats to nil in the semi-finals, to join the final four teams from the 206 that initially entered qualifying is a huge achievement.

A clash between Croatia and Morocco served to open the tournament for both, although we’re expecting a more exciting encounter than another goalless draw this time around.

The history of third place play-offs at the World Cup backs up that statement too, ten of the last 11 such games produced three or more goals in total whilst eight also saw both teams score, giving us hope for a great send-off for these sides here.

Back the Atlas Lions to make more history

Whilst it is true that European nations have finished in third place at every World Cup tournament since Brazil did so back in 1978, Morocco have proved records are there to be broken when becoming the best performing African side at the tournament this year.

Morocco’s squad may not be 100% fit as Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd’s non involvement in the semi-final showed. However, they should have enough attacking quality with the likes of two-goal man Youssef En-Nesyri to cause problems after his goal ultimately saw another European side, Portugal, eliminated.

We’re backing Morocco to come out on top in what is in truth a very well matched third place play-off. For smaller stakes, a 2-1 correct score pick completes our selections for the penultimate game at the 2022 World Cup.

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