- As Croatia snatch World Cup’s third-place match 2-1
- 18-year-old Moroccan, Bilal El Khannouss makes history
The Atlas Lions of Morocco’s bid to finish on the World Cup podium was effectively thwarted on Saturday evening as they were defeated 2-1 by Croatia in Qatar.
In the third place encounter that had Croatia starting on a high, the first goal of the day came ony seven minutes into the game. The European side had won a free-kick about 35 yards from the Moroccans goal area.
Lovro Majer took it and Ivan Perisic managed to set up Josko Gvardiol who headed it past the Atlas Lions’ keeper, Bounou.
However, the Croatians’ lead only lasted for about two minutes and they conceded a set piece in a promising area. Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech took it and Croatian defenders failed to clear the danger leaving Achraf Dari in a prime position to head it home.
Unfortunately, about three minutes to end the first half, the uncharacteristically vulnerable Morocco defence was caught napping and the ball was played to Marko Livaja who passed it to the waiting Mislav Orsic. The latter curled a beautiful shot past a full-stretched Bounou and put the European nation back in the lead.
The strike proved to be the winning goal for Croatia who were rewarded with a bronze medal. But the bigger picture is that despite failing to beat Croatia in the encounter, the Moroccans are going home with their heads held high.
Taking the tournament by storm, the Atlas Lions surprised many by topping their Group that had Croatia, Canada and Belgium, before defeating Spain in the Round of 16 and Portugal in the quarter finals respectively to become the first African team in history to reach the semi-final of the World Cup.
Sadly, the defending champions France cut short the Moroccans’ final dream as they claimed a 2-0 victory. Les Blues are now scheduled to play Argentina on Sunday.
On their pat, the South Americans defeated Croatia 3-0 on the way to winning the last four battle.
Interestingly, also entering the record books is 18-year-old Genk midfielder, Bilal El Khannouss who made history by becoming the youngest Moroccan player to feature on a World Cup stage. The Croatia assignment was his senior debut for the Atlas Lions.
On the whole, the message from football pundits and fans alike is that the Moroccan Coach, Walid Regragui has gotten vital lessons; and that his assemblage is capable of conquering Africa in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals to be held in Ivory Coast.
However, the immediate task is for them to first qualify and be part of the continental tournament. So for the North Africans, their focus is now on preparing to give their best in Group K of the AFCON qualifiers.
They currently boast of six points from the two matches they have played so far; against South Africa and Liberia respectively. – With Goal.com reports
