Croatia seriously faces the duel against Morocco on Saturday (12:00) for third place in the Qatar-2022 World Cup because the winner will keep the bronze medal, said his coach, Zlatko Dalic, this Friday.
“For us it is a very important match, it is a battle for a medal. I think the Moroccans have the same spirit, it’s a great game for them too,” said the coach at a press conference in Doha.
After losing 3-0 to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the semi-finals on Tuesday, the Croats will meet a familiar opponent at Doha’s Khalifa Stadium.
Morocco and Croatia drew 0-0 in the debut of both in Qatarin a duel corresponding to Group F.
The Moroccans, the first Africans to play in a World Cup ‘semis’, where they lost to France (2-0), finished leaders in the area with 7 points, followed by the Balkans (5 units). Belgium (4) and Canada (0) were left out.
“It will be a more difficult opponent than in the first round. They are not afraid of anyone. It will be a difficult match. Morocco is the big surprise of this World Cup“, pointed out Dalic56 years old.
A shadow plans the match for third place:It will be the last of Luka Modric with his team?
The Croatian captain, 37, has said that the decision on his continuity will be taken in an opportune moment and that his mind is focused on playing the World Cup in Qatar, the fourth in which he has participated (after those of 2006, 2014 and 2018).
Dalic has said that he wants his ’10’ to continue, especially to fight for Euro 2024, which will take place in Germany and where Modric would arrive close to his 39th birthday.
“I hope you’re there. I really think it will be there. Luka will decide for himself, depending on where he is in football, in the national team. Of course, it is only his decision, ”said the DT.
