Morocco’s stunning run to the semifinals, which saw the Atlas Lions become the first African country and Arab nation in history to reach the last four of a World Cup, was ended by a 2-0 defeat to France on Wednesday. But they made another historic record on Saturday by reserving their 4th place at the World Cup match against Croatia, in which Croatia wins 2-1 to reserve the 3rd place. The Associated Press has the story:
Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri, left, and Croatia’s Marko Livaja fight for the ball during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
The runners-up from four years ago secured another medal by beating Morocco 2-1 in the third-place match on Saturday.
Morocco’s Anass Zaroury, left, kicks the ball past Croatia’s Josip Stanisic during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Mislav Orsic scored the decisive goal shortly before halftime at Khalifa International Stadium to ensure Modric finished on a winning note, if this does turn out to be his last World Cup match.
Morocco’s Jawad El Yamiq, right, and Croatia’s Mislav Orsic fight for the ball during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
At the age of 37, that seems likely, even if there are hopes he will lead his country at the 2024 European Championship.
Morocco’s Achraf Dari, right, celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
Josko Gvardiol put Croatia ahead in the seventh minute, but Achraf Dari evened the score in the ninth.
Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech, left, and Croatia’s Mateo Kovacic fight for the ball during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
After becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals, Morocco’s tournament ended in two losses. But then team’s achievements in Qatar will be remembered for the outpouring of pride among Arab nations.
Croatia’s Ivan Perisic, left, and /mo19, fight for the ball during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
The World Cup final between defending champion France and Argentina is scheduled for Sunday at Lusail Stadium.
Croatia’s Mislav Orsic celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
