The Moroccan followers had been in good voice in opposition to Croatia as the 2 groups performed out a cagey draw.
Croatia’s World Cup marketing campaign received off to a stuttering begin with a 0-0 draw in opposition to a battling Morocco, because the 2018 runners-up lacked the punch of the facet that reached the ultimate in Russia 4 years in the past.
Outdoors Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday, Morocco followers had been in excessive spirits as they mingled with Croatia supporters. And as kickoff approached, the ambiance within the stands reached a fever pitch.
Nonetheless, the followers would fail to encourage motion on the pitch in a recreation the place possibilities had been at a premium and ended within the third goalless attract 9 video games on the World Cup up to now.
There have been glimpses of a possible purpose for each side, with Nikola Vlasic going shut for Croatia on the finish of the primary half whereas Noussair Mazraoui had a header saved for Morocco.
Croatia’s finest moments predictably hinged on Luka Modric, who was given free run, floating effortlessly from again to entrance, with soccer’s conventional midfield roles seeming to not apply to the captain.
One minute he was patrolling in entrance of his again 4, the following hanging off the shoulder of Andrej Kramaric up entrance, however at all times trying to open up the North Africans, whether or not he was hovering at right-back or searching additional ahead.
Morocco appeared principally to Hakim Ziyech for inspiration. The Chelsea winger, who was recalled to the squad following the latest appointment of coach Walid Regragui, was their most harmful attacking outlet within the early levels. Nonetheless, his good work lacked an finish product.
Whereas the encounter was low on motion, it was at the least excessive on depth as each side battled for midfield supremacy. Nonetheless, the primary half ended with neither purpose actually threatened till the closing moments when Yassine Bounou saved Vlasic’s low effort.
There was extra motion within the first 5 minutes of the second half when Morocco had raucous appeals for a penalty waved away after Sofiane Boufal’s shot appeared to hit Dejan Lovren’s arm, seconds earlier than Mazraoui’s header was saved by Dominik Livakovic.
Moments later, Lovren’s effort on the slide on the different finish was blocked by Sofyan Amrabat, however that was about nearly as good because it received for Croatia till centre-back Josko Gvardiol’s header went extensive within the eightieth minute.
Regardless of the draw, Moroccan followers had been in good spirits after the sport, even when they misplaced some power within the final minutes and made a number of noise when the whistle blew.
Many remained within the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium and continued to chant Ole Ole Ole Ole and Hayya Hayya. Modric, who was simply introduced man of the match on the large display, obtained an enormous jeer from the Moroccans, as he did for a lot of the recreation.
“I needed a win badly,” Morocco fan Mohammaed El Yamiq, 42, from Mohammadiya close to Casablanca, instructed Al Jazeera.
“It was very a lot a boring recreation … however this may do for now. It's a good booster for us after we play with others within the group,”
Croatia will now flip their consideration to their recreation in opposition to Canada on Sunday when Morocco will face Belgium.
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