World Cup: Stuttering Croatia held by Morocco in goal-less stalemate
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Croatia's midfielder Lovro Majer (left) is challenged by Morocco's defender Romain Ghanem Saiss during the Qatar 2022 World Cup on Nov 23, 2022.
PHOTO: AFP
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AL KHOR, Qatar – Croatia captain Luka Modric admitted that his side endured an “extremely difficult game” after they drew 0-0 with Morocco in their opening Group F game of the World Cup on Wednesday.
Backed by Qatar’s large Moroccan community at the Al Bayt Stadium, the Atlas Lions followed up North African rivals Tunisia’s strong performance against dark horses Denmark a day earlier to frustrate 2018 runners-up Croatia.
“This was an extremely difficult game,” said Modric. “But I do believe, as the tournament goes on, we’ll be better and we’ll adopt a more proactive attitude.”
The veteran midfielder insisted Croatia are capable of making another deep run despite a sluggish start in the early afternoon heat.
“We’ve not come here to just play and get out of the group,” said Modric.
“Our ambitions are a bit greater on the basis of our Russia achievement, but we need to take it one step at a time.
“Even before the 2018 World Cup, we said our primary goal was to make it out of the group. If we manage to do that, we can be a dangerous opponent for any team.”
Coach Zlatko Dalic had urged Croatia to exercise caution following Saudi Arabia’s shock win over Argentina, a result Morocco captain Romain Saiss said had “opened the door” for the tournament’s less-fancied teams.
“It was a tough game which we expected it would be,” said Dalic. “They were compact and organised, which we knew. We were scared to make mistakes and we lacked depth and width. We won’t complain, we move forward now.”
Morocco took the game to a Croatia side featuring four players who started the 2018 final but struggled to create genuine chances against a defence marshalled by the experienced Dejan Lovren.
Azzedine Ounahi strangely opted against shooting when well placed inside the area, with Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi heavily involved down the right without ever truly threatening Croatia.
Ivan Perisic fired just over from distance for Croatia after intercepting a dreadful pass from Selim Amallah, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou blocked well with his legs to deny Nikola Vlasic from close range.
Modric, the former Ballon d’Or winner appearing at his fourth World Cup at the age of 37, then hammered over from the edge of the box.
Croatia pushed for a late winner but found Morocco’s defence in unforgiving mood as Walid Regragui’s side secured a valuable, and deserved, point.
Both sides had just two shots on target.
“I think it’s a very good point for us,” said Regragui, who was only appointed as Morocco coach in late August.
“It keeps us alive for the next two games (against Belgium and Canada). I’m very proud of my players. I think this game makes us more confident.” AFP, REUTERS
