Published on: Dec 17, 2022 8:00 am IST|Updated on: Dec 17, 2022 1:05 am IST
In the third-place playoff on Saturday at the Khalifa International Stadium, a World Cup 2022 bronze medal is on the line between Croatia and Morocco, and neither team should turn their back on a podium finish on the biggest platform. Argentina defeated Zlatko Dalic’s team 3-0 in their semifinal match, while the Atlas Lions battled bravely against France but were defeated by two goals to zero.
Match date: December 10
Kick-off time: 00:30 IST
Venue: Lusail Iconic Stadium TV
Channel: Sports18 SD Live streaming: JioCinema (App & Website)
1. Dominik Livakovic
2. Josip Juranovic
3. Dejan Lovern
4. Josko Gvardiol
5. Borna Sosa
6. Mateo Kovacic
7. Luka Modric
8. Nikola Vlasic
9. Ivan Perisic
10. Andrej Kramari
11. Mario Pasalic
Injury Report, Unavailability, Expected Changes and Strategy
1. Yassine Bounou
2. Achraf Hakimi
3. Achraf Dari
4. Romain Saiss
5. Jawad El Yamiq
6. Noussair Mazraoui
7. Hakim Ziyech
8. Azzedine Ounahi
9. Sofyan Amrabat
10. Sofiane Boufal
11. Youssef En-Nesyr
Goalkeeper: Dominik Livakovic
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Josip Juranovic, Borna Sosa,
Midfielders: Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic (c), Hakim Ziyech (vc), Sofyan Amrabat
Strikers: Andrej Kramaric, Youssef En-Nesyri
Ivan Perisic is likely to score the most points. Top 3 players to watch out for – Perisic, Ziyech and Modric.
A trident of injured defenders would not inspire confidence in any team, but Morocco’s backline replacements have given impressive performances and are now taking on a Croatian lineup that is not known for its attacking prowess. Although Regragui’s team merely needs to improve their last ball to make their moments of pressure count, we have faith in the Atlas Lions to achieve exactly that and cap a spectacular World Cup adventure with a podium finish. Rearguards will probably win this bronze medal matchup.