Morocco vs Croatia: Five Key Battles

These individual clashes have the potential to decide the outcome of the game.

With the World Cup final set between Argentina and France, the third berth in the World Cup 2022 is up for grabs between Croatia and Morocco. Both nations demonstrated remarkable competence by reaching the World Cup semi-finals, particularly Morocco, which will be pleased with their journey in this tournament, shattering every standard and becoming the first African nation to do so.

Meanwhile, Croatia might draw heart from their fantastic World Cup campaign, in which they defeated stubborn Japan and later tournament favourites Brazil. Now, the country is preparing for third place in the World Cup 2022, and we have ranked the top critical bouts of this match below.

5. Andrej Kramaric vs El Yamiq

Kramaric, who has replaced Croatia's prolific striker Mario Mandzukic, has been a vital player for Croatia's frontline, and he will face Morocco's feisty defence and El Yamiq, who also experienced the finest tournament run of his career.

Both are tall and provide a threat to their opponents; nevertheless, Kramaric had a terrible showing against Argentina, as he was muted and unable to make a mark; similarly, Yamiq fell short against France's assault but was capable of influencing the game going forward. Both will now be prepared to confront each other on Saturday.

4. En Nesyri vs Josko Gvardiol

Nesyri, who broke Ronaldo's dream with a goal against Portugal, couldn't challenge Lloris and France. France's defence proved excessive for the striker, who was substituted later, while Gvardiol, who had an incredible tournament and was regarded as the best defender of the tournament, was made to seem like an amateur player by Lionel Messi, who did twists and turns before beating him to provide an assist to Alvarez. Nesyri and Gvardiol will now meet each other, hoping to make apologies for their performance in the World Cup 2022 in the third round.

3. Luka Modric vs Sofyan Amrabat

Modric was controlling the Croatia midfield at the age of 37, and he was still a significant threat to Argentina, giving Argentine defenders discomfort. However, Modric's ingenuity was hampered by a lack of assistance from his teammates. In contrast to the midfielder from Croatia, Morocco's outstanding midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has made pieces fit and pulled the links, from assisting in the build-up to dropping deep.

The two outstanding midfielders will compete for the best midfielder, and whoever outperforms the other will be able to assist their side in scoring goals.

2. Hakim Ziyech vs Borna Sosa

The Chelsea player has blossomed into a unique player for Morocco, playing on the right flank and moving the ball. He produced multiple chances for Morocco against France, but the African giants rarely converted them. Meanwhile, Argentina's Molina completely outplayed Sosa, who failed to dispose of and accompany Perisic offensively. With Messi frequently operating from the right wing, it became impossible for Sosa to breach Argentina's defence.

Now he will have to stop Ziyech, who has always been a threat, and the two will attempt to mitigate each other's danger from the flank.

1.  Ivan Perisic vs Achraf Hakimi

Perisic posed a threat against Argentina with crosses and his ability to locate spaces in the box, but a lack of backing limited his game and he was unable to give much as the match went. While Hakimi frequently dropped deep to assist his team in scoring, France's strong defence and inability to convert chances proved to be a disappointment for Morocco.

Now that both skilled players will be playing on the same wing, it will be a duel to watch. Perisic is slow but confident in taking defenders, while Hakimi is speedy and energetic when not in possession.