Croatia 2-1 Morocco LIVE! World Cup 2022 result, match stream and latest updates today

Croatia vs Morocco LIVE!

The bronze medals were awarded at the 2022 World Cup this afternoon as two familiar opponents collided in the third-place play-off in Doha. This is a match that no one ever wants to compete in, as it inevitably means you have seen your dreams of making the final crushed in agonising fashion. That was indeed the case for both Croatia and Morocco, though both nations could still be incredibly proud of their respective journeys in Qatar.

2018 finalists Croatia continue to defy the odds with remarkable tournament performances and matched their illustrious 1998 cohort by wrapping up third place thanks to Mislav Orsic’s stunning winner before haf-time. Morocco, meanwhile, are this year’s World Cup heroes regardless of defeat, having already made history as the first African team ever to reach the semi-finals on football’s grandest stage.

Both sides were dealing with injury issues and made several changes each as they offered up far more excitement than witnessed in the goalless draw between these teams in Group F, with Josko Gvardiol’s thumping early header quickly cancelled out by Achraf Dari before Orsic stole the show. Follow Croatia vs Morocco reaction live below, with expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick, Simon Collings and Nizaar Kinsella at Khalifa International Stadium.

Croatia vs Morocco latest news

• Croatia celebrate third-place finish at 2022 World Cup

• Modric confirms international career not over

• GOAL! Orsic seals bronze medals with stunning first-half strike

• GOAL! Dari hits straight back with own header

• GOAL! Gvardiol breaks deadlock with diving header

Croatia 2 - 1 Morocco

18:26 , George Flood

The last word for Morocco.

It wasn’t to be today as a gruelling campaign took its toll, but no one associated with the Atlas Lions will ever forget this historic World Cup campaign.

They have surpassed any prior achievements by African nations on football’s biggest stage and completely reset expectations for football across the region.

Hold your heads up high.

Marvellous Modric finishes World Cup career on high

18:20 , George Flood

Luka Modric bowed out on a high as Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 in the third-place play-off in what was surely the 37-year-old’s final appearance at a World Cup, writes Dan Kilpatrick in Doha.

Modric’s side found the cutting edge which was so sorely missing from their semi-final defeat by Argentina, with goals from Josko Gvardiol and Mislav Orsic either side of Achraf Dari’s equaliser for Morocco.

Modric has given no indication that he is ready to retire from international football and his performances at his fourth finals suggest there should be no ruling him out of competing in the European Championship in Germany in 18 months’ time.

The same applies to Ivan Perisic, 33, who created Croatia’s opening goal for centre-half Gvardiol with a magnificent header to ensure that only Lionel Messi (16) has been directly involved in more goals across the last three tournaments than the Tottenham wing-back’s 11.

In the seventh minute, Perisic peeled away to the left side of the penalty box for Lovro Majer’s free-kick and headed powerfully back into the mixer, where Gvardiol rose to plant a flying header inside the post.

Click here to read the report in full

18:18 , George Flood

Brilliant news for Croatia as Luka Modric signals his desire to continue in international football...

17:20 , George Flood

Fair play to the Croatians.

You might expect celebrations to be somewhat muted after winning a third-place play-off as they still ruminate over the semi-final heartbreak, but they are absolutely delighted... and rightly so.

Squad are so happy as they celebrate together and proudly display those well-earned bronze medals.

How a country with a population of only around four million people continue to defy the odds on football’s grandest stage is nothing short of remarkable.

Dan Kilpatrick at Khalifa International Stadium

17:08 , George Flood

Fifa president Gianni Infantino is whistled by fans as he comes to the podium ahead of giving Croatia their bronze medals.

Full-time

16:57 , George Flood

Croatia 2-1 Morocco

The Croatian players wildly celebrate their second third-place finish at a Fifa World Cup.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s players are absolutely furious with the referee.

Manager Regragui is hauling them away, but they are still remonstrating.

Who said the third-place play-off doesn’t matter?!

16:55 , George Flood

96 mins: What a chance for Morocco to force extra-time in the dying seconds.

A brilliant cross is whipped in from the right to En-Nesyri, who rises above Perisic but his header ends up on the roof of the net.

So, so close.

16:54 , George Flood

95 mins: Kristijan Jakic replaces Orsic for the final seconds.

16:53 , George Flood

93 mins: This looks like it just isn’t going to happen for Morocco, who have still had an absolutely incredible tournament.

They are defying tiredness to force their way forward again, but first the ball is claimed by Livakovic and then Hakimi runs out of room chasing a ball down the right flank.

16:50 , George Flood

90 mins: SIX minutes of added time signalled.

Morocco are piling on the pressure and want a penalty after Hakimi’s decent cross from the byline is met by En-Nesyri, whose header hits Petkovic.

They want handball, but there’s absolutely no chance. It just struck him on the back.

16:49 , George Flood

88 mins: A fine long pass from the back from makeshift defender Amrabat picks out Burnley’s Zaroury, who feeds a low cross into En-Nesyri.

However, the offside flag is up. That must have been tight.

Nizaar Kinsella at Khalifa International Stadium

16:48 , George Flood

Croatia are on the verge of finishing third at the World Cup and, for the first time, their fans are overpowering Morocco’s passionate support in the stadium.

16:46 , George Flood

87 mins: Kovacic should put this third-place play-off beyond doubt!

The Chelsea midfielder is played in by Orsic and slips past Hakimi, but rolls a low shot wide of the far post.

A real reprieve for Morocco but time is slipping away.

16:45 , George Flood

84 mins: Tempers spill over after Petkovic is caught by a stray arm from fellow substitute Amallah.

A lot of pushing and shoving ensues, with Amallah shown a yellow card by Qatari referee Abdulrahman Al Jassim.

16:43 , George Flood

You can have your say on that controversial decision here, by the way.

One of the worst calls of the World Cup?

Watch: Croatia denied second-half penalty

16:42 , George Flood

Surely this should have been given...

16:41 , George Flood

80 mins: More shouts for a Croatian penalty as Petkovic’s cross is driven into the arm of a sliding Benoun.

That was very much not a spot-kick.

16:38 , George Flood

78 mins: A superb save from Livakovic to deny En-Nesyri rather got lost in all the penalty drama there.

Morocco so close to pulling level and potentially forcing extra-time.

16:36 , George Flood

75 mins: Croatia are furious as play is waved on! No penalty for either side.

The right decision on Morocco’s shout, but that surely should have been a spot-kick for Croatia.

How has that not been given?! Amrabat extremely fortunate.

16:35 , George Flood

73 mins: Huge drama at both ends as a quiet second half bursts into life!

Gvardiol looks set to finish off a brilliant Croatian attack but he goes down after being tripped by Amrabat and is denied a penalty, much to Dalic’s disgust.

Morocco break and En-Nesyri almost scores! The Atlas Lions also want a spot-kick after Petkovic is barged over by Hakimi.

Nothing given. A lot for VAR to check here.

It was outside the box on Petkovic I think, but that looked like a penalty for Gvardiol...

Nizaar Kinsella at Khalifa International Stadium

16:30 , George Flood

Morocco have Sofyan Amrabat playing at centre-back with a remarkable four players in the position now injured.

This World Cup is really taking its toll on some of the teams that have reached the latter stages.

16:30 , George Flood

69 mins: Ounahi into the book for a display of petulance in front of the referee.

Morocco are beginning to throw caution to the wind with just over 20 minutes to play.

At the other end, Petkovic lets fly from distance but that was never troubling Bono.

16:28 , George Flood

68 mins: Yet another defensive injury for Morocco.

They have now officially run out of centre-backs as Jawad El Yamiq signals that he needs to come off.

He is replaced by Standard Liege midfielder Amallah.

16:26 , George Flood

65 mins: A continued flurry of substitutions is really disrupting the rhythm of this second half.

Livaja and Majer are replaced by Petkovic and Pasalic for Croatia.

16:23 , George Flood

63 mins: Dari is hurt again and is moving very gingerly as he tries to jog towards the sidelines.

Qatar-based centre-back Badr Benoun comes on, while Burnley’s Anass Zaroury is also on for his first World Cup appearance.

Boufal makes way.

It looked initially like Selim Amallah was coming on, but Walid Regragui must have had a last-minute change of heart.

16:21 , George Flood

60 mins: Morocco earn a corner and Kramaric can finally receive treatment, having picked up the injury while delivering a cross from an offside position a few moments ago.

He limps off in tears and immediately has an ice pack applied to his hamstring on the bench. Club side Hoffenheim will be looking on nervously.

Nikola Vlasic - on loan from West Ham at Torino - is on for the final half an hour here.

16:19 , George Flood

59 mins: Morocco can’t make the most of their man advantage as they attack with Kramaric down in the centre circle for Croatia.

This looks like it will be game-ending for the former Leicester striker, who is in some discomfort.

Simon Collings at Khalifa International Stadium

16:17 , George Flood

Ounahi, one of the stars of the tournament, is on for Morocco. Should give them some go-forward in midfield. He gets a huge cheer as he comes on.

16:16 , George Flood

57 mins: Azzedine Ounahi, one of the best players at this World Cup, is on for Morocco, replacing teenage midfielder El Khannouss.

16:15 , George Flood

55 mins: Two Croatian players rather get in each other’s way as they look to convert from the subsequent corner.

A couple more Moroccan changes are imminent.

16:14 , George Flood

53 mins: Kramaric and Kovacic lead the latest stylish Croatian attack early in this second half.

They are so positive at the moment, driving forward through the middle and combining nicely and building plenty of momentum with short, incisive passes.

Majer is buzzing around menacingly and his lofted ball caused panic for Morocco, with Bono unable to prevent the corner.

16:11 , George Flood

51 mins: Some nifty football on display from Croatia now, they are working it well and utilising some lovely combinations.

Majer’s enticing cross towards Livaja is seen off by Dari. Shouldn’t that have been a corner?

At the other end, fine defending from Perisic snuffs out the danger from En-Nesyri after a decent Boufal pass.

Stat attack

16:08 , George Flood

16:07 , George Flood

47 mins: Croatia are keen to pick up where they left off as the confident Orsic lets fly again with a deflected strike into the side netting.

Morocco with some dogged defending to do in the early stages of the second period.

Second half underway

16:04 , George Flood

The players are back out for the second half at Khalifa International Stadium.

Morocco have made a half-time change, with QPR playmaker Ilias Chair getting his first minutes of the tournament.

Sabiri the man to make way. Dari fine to continue after that late first-half knock.

Watch: Orsic stunner restores Croatia’s lead

16:00 , George Flood

He absolutely meant that... didn’t he?!

Simon Collings at Khalifa International Stadium

15:58 , George Flood

Not a bad game in fairness. Both sides fairly happy to throw caution to the wind. A few of the Moroccan players who have been handed a rare start, like Bilal El Khannous, have done well.

Half-time

15:50 , George Flood

Croatia 2-1 Morocco

A superb first half to allay any fears over a lack of motivation for a third-place play-off.

Excellent goals from Gvardiol and Orsic either side of Dari’s header have Croatia ahead at the break.

15:50 , George Flood

48 mins: Bono back-pedals and is equal to a long-range drive as Moroccan goalscorer Dari goes down injured just outside his own box.

The last thing Walid Regragui needs is another defensive injury.

His treatment will continue at half-time as the whistle blows.

15:48 , George Flood

45 mins: Into three minutes of added time in a dramatic first half.

Is there another twist to come before the break?

GOAL! Croatia 2-1 Morocco | Mislav Orsic 42'

15:43 , George Flood

42 mins: A tremendous curling strike off the post and Croatia are back in front before the interval!

Stunning, stunning effort from Dinamo Zagreb star Orsic, who turned down a move to Burnley earlier this year.

It was all initially a bit untidy from Croatia around the box and they couldn’t get a clean shot away, with Morocco paying the price for more sloppiness on the edge of their own penalty area.

Two special goals from Croatia in this first half.

15:42 , George Flood

39 mins: Modric tries to haul Croatia back into control, but a useful attack fizzles out and Morocco saunter back forward.

Fabulous feet from the ultra-confident Ziyech, who gives his marker twisted blood before lashing a shot wide of the near post.

15:39 , George Flood

36 mins: Another scare for Croatia as Sevilla striker En-Nesyri cleverly flicks on a corner at the near post.

But no one gambles at the back stick and the ball flies over the head of a panicked Orsic and away to safety.

Brilliant noise now coming from those Morocco fans with their team on top and looking to take the lead before half-time.

15:38 , George Flood

34 mins: Morocco are now firmly in the ascendancy with just over 10 minutes until the interval.

Some very nice one-twos and eye-catching touches around the Croatia box, with Boufal in particular turning up the style.

15:36 , George Flood

31 mins: This time the silky Moroccan combination is between Boufal and El Khannouss as they make their way back into the Croatian box.

El Khannouss’s low ball for the ex-Southampton man is just too heavy and Gvardiol gets across, forcing Boufal to blast high and wide.

Morocco are furious and want a corner, surrounding Qatari referee Abdulrahman Al Jassim.

However, replays show a goal kick was the correct decision.

Simon Collings at Khalifa International Stadium

15:34 , George Flood

Romain Saiss on the bench and injured today, but he is still very much part of this team.

He just pulled coach Walid Regragui for a chat. Morocco improving as the half progresses.

15:32 , George Flood

28 mins: Chance for Morocco - their first since hitting back through Dari.

Ziyech and Hakimi combine to dazzling effect down the right flank, with the ball bobbling slightly as the latter aims a cross into the box from near the byline.

En-Nesyri tries to contort his body to connect with the header, but it’s too wayward.

Needed a better final ball from the PSG star there.

15:30 , George Flood

25 mins: Croatia pile on more pressure from a set-piece, but this time Bono gratefully claims.

Both sides seeing plenty of the ball here, but the 2018 finalists are creating the much better chances.

Many of them have come as a result of Morocco being far too casual in possession inside their own final third.

15:26 , George Flood

22 mins: More danger for Morocco, who have been far too loose in possession deep inside their own half on a number of occasions so far.

They are caught out again and a poor clearance lands at the feet of Modric, who twists and turns to create the space for a low shot on his left foot that is parried by Bono.

The ball squirts back towards Livaja, but Bono does brilliantly to recover and swipe it away in the nick of time and Morocco scramble clear.

Watch: Dari hits back immediately for Morocco

15:23 , George Flood

Watch: Gvardiol gives Croatia early lead

15:23 , George Flood

Nizaar Kinsella at Khalifa International Stadium

15:23 , George Flood

Sofiane Boufal, who has been excellent all tournament, is playing more like the Southampton version today.

15:22 , George Flood

18 mins: Kramaric and Orsic are causing Morocco plenty of problems in that final third, hunting and winning the ball back in dangerous areas during this entertaining start.

One shot is blocked before Bono easily gathers an effort from Kramaric.

Great ‘Desire’ from the Moroccan No1. Sorry...

15:19 , George Flood

15 mins: The momentum continues to swing back and forth in this game, with whistles from those dominant Morocco fans any time Croatia get on the ball.

The Atlas Lions try to play out from the back and get caught, with Stanisic blasting over the crossbar.

Simon Collings at Khalifa International Stadium

15:17 , George Flood

A nice moment for Gvardiol, who endured a torrid semi-final against Messi. Even after that game, it should not be forgotten how good a World Cup he’s had.

Nizaar Kinsella at Khalifa International Stadium

15:16 , George Flood

Huge commotion in the stands as someone proposes. It really is the beautiful game.

Dan Kilpatrick at Khalifa International Stadium

15:16 , George Flood

One brilliantly worked, the other fortunate but a set-piece goal apiece and the makings of a great game here.

This fixture feels more significant for the fact that it’s two teams who would not have expected to reach the final four a month ago.

15:14 , George Flood

11 mins: Barely time to catch your breath after an electric start to this game.

After a chaotic opening, Morocco are now playing some nice football and working between the lines with renewed confidence.

GOAL! Croatia 1-1 Morocco | Achraf Dari 9'

15:10 , George Flood

9 mins: WOW! An instant response from Morocco.

Two centre-back headers from set-pieces.

Majer inadvertently flicks a delivery from the right high into the air and Dari positions himself perfectly to steer it home from close range.

The Atlas Lions level straightaway.

GOAL! Croatia 1-0 Morocco | Josko Gvardiol 7'

15:08 , George Flood

7 mins: What a goal!

It’s a peach of an innovative set-piece routine executed by Croatia, with Majer’s chip into the box headed back across by Perisic.

Then there’s centre-back Gvardiol with a thumping diving header into the back of the net.

Emphatic.

15:07 , George Flood

Morocco boss Regragui understandably fuming with his side’s sloppy start here.

15:05 , George Flood

3 mins: A very ropey and chaotic start from Morocco, who are immediately forced onto the back foot.

Dari heads away a dangerous cross before there’s almost a comical own goal as goalkeeper Bono slices an inexplicably risky pass across goal.

That could have been an absolute disaster from a ‘keeper who has been so impressive at this tournament so far.

I’ll leave out the U2 puns for now.

Simon Collings at Khalifa International Stadium

15:02 , George Flood

Despite what the official FIFA team sheet says, it looks like a 4-2-3-1 for Croatia. Ivan Perisic playing as a left-back.

KICK-OFF

15:01 , George Flood

We are underway at Khalifa International Stadium!

Who will triumph to take third place at the 2022 World Cup?

Nizaar Kinsella at Khalifa International Stadium

15:01 , George Flood

As you might imagine, there’s far more Morocco fans in the stadium than Croatia supporters.

It’s probably 90% Morocco, 5% neutral, 5% Croatia.

15:00 , George Flood

As has been the case in all of Morocco’s games at this tournament, it is a very pro-Atlas Lions crowd again in Doha this evening.

They have been wonderful throughout.

14:55 , George Flood

Fifa’s usual pre-match pyrotechnics complete, the teams emerge from the tunnel at the Khalifa International Stadium.

This ground has not been used at all since the Netherlands’ last-16 victory over the United States two weeks ago on December 3.

Time for the national anthems.

Nizaar Kinsella at Khalifa International Stadium

14:50 , George Flood

Not a great advert for the third-place play-off with only 75 per cent of the seats at the Khalifa International Stadium currently full.

David Beckham is watching on, though.

Nizaar Kinsella at Khalifa International Stadium

14:49 , George Flood

Morocco and Croatia are offering minutes to their next generations but also playing strong sides.

Both teams have unsurprisingly made more changes than they had for any previous World Cup match in this tournament.

Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi are all playing, though.

The likes of 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Bilal El Khannous and young Croatian defensive duo Josip Stanisic and Josip Sutalo all start.

14:40 , George Flood

Final preparations in Doha, including a nice embrace between former Inter Milan team-mates Perisic and Hakimi.

Morocco milestones

14:31 , George Flood

A nice milestone for key Morocco stars Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi tonight.

Chelsea winger Ziyech is also set to earn his 50th senior cap for the Atlas Lions.

14:28 , George Flood

Simon Collings offers his pre-match thoughts and reaction to that team news from outside Khalifa International Stadium...

Morocco bench

14:20 , George Flood

Meanwhile, Saiss, Ounahi and Aguerd are among the Morocco substitutes today, along with Bari forward Walid Cheddira, who missed the semi-finals through suspension.

Could we finally see some minutes for QPR playmaker Ilias Chair this afternoon?

Subs: Aguerd, Saiss, Ounahi, Hamdallah, Zaroury, Mohamedi, Chair, Aboukhlal, Amallah, Ezzalzouli, Cheddira, Tagnaouti, Benoun, Jabrane

Croatia bench

14:17 , George Flood

Lovren, Brozovic, Sosa and Pasalic are all named as substitutes by Croatia this afternoon.

Subs: Barisic, Erlic, Lovren, Brozovic, Grbic, Vlasic, Pasalic, Petkovic, Budimir, Sosa, Vida, Juranovic, Ivusic, Sucic, Jakic

Both sides make changes

14:00 , George Flood

So changes from both sides as expected in Doha this afternoon.

Five in total from Croatia, with Juranovic, Sosa, Lovren, Brozovic and Pasalic replaced by Stanisic, Sutalo, Majer, Livaja and Orsic.

The injured Saiss and Mazraoui miss out as expected for Morocco along with influential midfielder Ounahi, with Attiat-Allah, Sabiri and El Khannouss getting the nod.

No Aguerd again for Morocco either.

Starting lineups

13:43 , George Flood

Croatia XI: Dominik Livakovic, Josip Stanisic, Josko Gvardiol, Josip Sutalo, Ivan Perisic, Mateo Kovacic, Lovro Majer, Luka Modric, Marko Livaja, Mislav Orsic, Andrej Kramaric

Morocco XI: Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Achraf Dari, Jawad El Yamiq, Yahya Attiat-Allah, Bilal El Khannouss, Abdelhamid Sabiri, Sofyan Amrabat, Hakim Ziyech, Soufiane Boufal, Youssef En-Nesyri

Dalic: Morocco heroes like Croatia in 2018

13:35 , George Flood

Speaking at his pre-match press conference yesterday, Croatia coach Dalic also drew interesting parallels between his team that made it to the World Cup final against the odds in Russia in 2018 and the current Morocco side.

“Morocco resemble us from four years ago,” he said. “No one expected them to reach this stage. They deserve to be here. They will be a more challenging opponent than in the first match.

“They have grown in self-confidence and are motivated. For both it is a huge and major match.”

On his injury issues, Dalic added: “This is the seventh match in a month and we are a bit tired and drained. We have some issues with Gvardiol, Juranovic and Brozovic. We will see what will happen. We have to be cautious.

“We need to be fair and if someone is not 100 per cent fit we need to talk about it.”

Farewell Luka Modric?

13:15 , George Flood

Today will be the last World Cup outing for one Luka Modric, who will be almost 41 by the time the 2026 tournament rolls around in north America.

But could it be a 162nd and final international appearance altogether for Croatia’s most-capped and successful player of all time?

While the former Ballon d’Or winner is staying tight-lipped for now, manager Zlatko Dalic is quite sure that the Real Madrid midfielder will remain available for his country on the road to Euro 2024 in Germany.

“I hope that he will be with us,” Dalic said.

“I’m looking forward to that and I think it is quite certain that he will be but Luka Modric will decide personally as well how he feels.

“Knowing how he feels about football and the Croatia national team, I’m quite sure he will, but it is his decision only.”

Regragui: Morocco determined to claim ‘booby prize'

13:02 , George Flood

Morocco coach Walid Regragui summed up most people’s feelings on the concept of a third-place play-off in his pre-match press conference, insisting it is the “worst game” to play in.

He also dubbed claiming bronze as a “booby prize”, but the Atlas Lions are still determined to finish their remarkable campaign in Qatar on the highest possible note.

Not least because of the significant impact it will have on their FIFA world ranking, which is set to jump from 22 after this tournament.

“It is the worst game we have to play, but we are still excited to play it despite the disappointment,” said Regragui.

“I am sorry, it’s like the booby prize. I am sorry for speaking like this. I understand it should be important, I understand that it is better to finish third than fourth, but my takeaway is that we just didn’t get to the final.

“But we want to be on the podium, to finish our tournament beautifully. It’s not the end of the road for us.

“The objective tomorrow is to get that third place. If we finish third we will be able to hike up our world ranking. We want to show what we’re made of and pave the way to a better future for Moroccan football.

“It would be extraordinary if we finish third in the World Cup.”

Croatia vs Morocco prediction

12:47 , George Flood

After the disappointment of not reaching the final, teams can suffer something of a hangover. If any side has the experience to deal with that, it is surely Croatia.

Croatia to win, 1-0.

Predicted lineups

12:46 , George Flood

Here is how Standard Sport predicts both teams will line up in today’s World Cup third-place play-off...

Predicted Croatia XI: Livakovic; Stanisic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Barisic; Majer, Modric, Kovacic; Orsic, Petkovic, Perisic.

Predicted Morocco XI: Bono; Hakimi, Dari, El Yamiq, Attiat-Allah; Amallah, Ounahi, Amrabat; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal.

Morocco team news

12:45 , George Flood

Morocco have been hit by a number of defensive injuries as their unforgettable World Cup campaign has progressed.

Captain Romain Saiss and Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui were both risked in the semi-final defeat by France after knocks and it didn’t pay off, with both players withdrawn early.

Meanwhile, West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd was a late withdrawal from the starting lineup against France due to illness rather than an injury setback, according to boss Walid Regragui.

Achraf Dari, Yahya Attiat-Allah and Jawad El Yamiq should all continue to deputise for Morocco in defence this afternoon.

Croatia team news

12:41 , George Flood

Both teams are dealing with a number of injury issues today, with changes expected and no risks likely to be taken after long World Cup campaigns and the return of the domestic football calendar just around the corner.

Croatia are likely to be without Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, though key defender Josko Gvardiol was confident of shaking off a foot issue to feature.

Manager Zlatko Dalic is also without Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic, with doubts also surrounding Borna Sosa again on the left.

Josip Stanisic, Borna Barisic, Martin Erlic, Lovro Majer and Kristijan Jakic are among the Croatia players who could all come into the starting XI this afternoon.

Where to watch Croatia vs Morocco

12:38 , George Flood

TV channel: Today’s game will be shown live and free-to-air on BBC One in the UK, with coverage beginning at 2:30pm GMT.

Live stream: Fans can also catch the action live online via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.

Welcome to Croatia vs Morocco LIVE coverage!

12:35 , George Flood

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s penultimate LIVE coverage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar!

We are just one day away from the small matter of a heavyweight final showdown between Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Kylian Mbappe’s France, but first our attentions turn to the third-place play-off in Doha.

Both Croatia and Morocco have enjoyed hugely memorable campaigns and though this is a fixture that no team ever wants to play in, will each be desperate to finish on a high and grab that bronze medal.

Kick-off this afternoon is at 3pm GMT, so stay tuned for live updates, team news and thoughts from both camps, plus expert analysis from Standard Sport trio Dan Kilpatrick, Simon Collings and Nizaar Kinsella at Khalifa International Stadium.