Morocco coach Walid Regragui determined to finish incredible World Cup journey with ‘booby prize’

Morocco coach Walid Regragui has urged his side to finish their World Cup journey “beautifully” by beating Croatia in Saturday’s third-fourth play-off.

Regragui is aware it could be hard to lift his players for the match, describing it as “the worst game that we have to play” and “the booby prize”.

He stressed, however, that Morocco could benefit hugely with a win as it would boost their world ranking.

The Atlas Lions began the tournament 22nd in the world, but they are due for a huge climb after beating three top 10 sides — and they will rise further if they defeat Croatia.

“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.”

Morocco will be without their captain Romain Saiss due to injury, while full-back Noussair Mazraoui is a doubt, too.

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Croatia have fitness concerns over midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, but head coach Zlatko Dalic is expected to name a strong side.

“This match is not a small one for us, but a big final,” he said. “The difference is being third or fourth in the world, we will do everything to do that.”