AL RAYYAN, Qatar — Luka Modric high-fived and embraced his Croatia teammates after what was seemingly the midfield nice’s final look on the World Cup.
A number of the Morocco gamers sank to their knees in dismay, whereas others went in quest of the referee to complain.
A lot for this being a meaningless recreation.
Croatia ended up taking third place on the World Cup after a 2-1 win over Morocco at Khalifa Worldwide Stadium on Saturday.
“It's as if we have now gained the gold,” mentioned Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić, whose group misplaced within the closing 4 years in the past.
To some, the third-place match is taken into account to be little greater than an exhibition between two shedding semifinalists. The day earlier than the match, Morocco coach Walid Regragui described it as a “booby prize.”
Nonetheless, as the ultimate whistle blew on Morocco’s historic run on the World Cup, the frustration was clear to see.
So, too, was the delight on Croatian faces.
Modric, on the age of 37 and a serial winner of soccer’s largest prizes with Actual Madrid, couldn't preserve the smile from his face as he went as much as accumulate his bronze medal.
“This medal is essential for us, for me, for my nation, for Croatia as a nationwide group,” Modric mentioned. “We verify with this medal that Croatia is enjoying an necessary function in world of soccer. We're leaving Qatar as winners.”
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The World Cup closing between defending champion France and Argentina is scheduled for Sunday at Lusail Stadium.
Mislav Orsic scored the decisive objective for Croatia shortly earlier than halftime to make sure Modric completed on a profitable observe, if this does certainly develop into his final World Cup match.
“Now it's step-by-step by step and proceed till least the Nations League and after we'll see,” Modric mentioned.
Defender Josko Gvardiol put Croatia forward within the seventh minute with a diving header, however Achraf Dari evened the rating within the ninth.
It's the second time Croatia has taken third place on the World Cup. The group additionally achieved that feat in its first look on the match as an impartial nation in 1998.
“These are the moments we dwell for, we work for, we prepare for,” Dalić mentioned. “That’s probably the most emotional second of the World Cup for us, tonight’s match and the win.”
After changing into the primary African group to achieve the World Cup semifinals, Morocco’s match resulted in two losses. However the group’s achievements in Qatar might be remembered for the outpouring of delight amongst Arab nations.
“After all we're dissatisfied, however after we get up tomorrow we'll notice how a lot we have now achieved,” Regragui mentioned. “We had 0.01% of profitable this World Cup on the outset and we managed to get by means of to the final 4. We performed in opposition to among the footballing powerhouses of the world.
“We at the moment are one of many prime 4 groups on the planet and for those who had informed me that earlier than the World Cup and that Morocco can be No. 4 on the planet, I might have accepted that immediately.”
Morocco’s run to the semifinals was the unlikeliest story of the match, topping a gaggle that contained Croatia and second-ranked Belgium. The group then beat Spain and Portugal within the knockout phases.
“For me, soccer makes individuals dream and youngsters particularly,” Regragui mentioned. “In Morocco and Africa, we have now saved these desires alive. It means greater than a victory on the World Cup.”
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