Morocco managed to hold 2018 World Cup finalist to a thrilling draw in Group F opener at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday morning.
Croatia were held to a draw in their World Cup opening gane for the first time ever in their sixth appearance at the tournament, as a lacklustre contest with Morocco ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
The Croatian commenced the game with a dominance over the North African nation as Ivan Perišić sought to rally the Vatreni early on, sending a shot that dipped inches over the bar from distance.
This would epitomize the first half, as Morocco pressed effectively, cancelling out their European opponent’s star-studded midfield of Luka Modrić, Marcelo Brozović and Mateo Kovačić, and limiting them to the creation of half chances.
The only shot on target before the break came in added time, as Nikola Vlašić met Borna Sosa’s low cross, only to be denied by Yassine Bounou from inside six yards.
Walid Regragui was impressed with his side’s work before the break, and so instructed the Atlas Lions to initiate phase two of their plan come the restart. They burst into life, seeking to claim their first World Cup victory since 1998, and came agonizingly close to snatching a shock lead.
Sofiane Boufal was denied a penalty when his shot seemingly struck the arm of Southampton alumni Dejan Lovren, whilst Achraf Hakimi tested Dominik Livaković with a wicked curling free-kick, though the keeper managed to parry the strike.
In the dying embers of the game, Croatia looked dangerous upfront but the back line of Morocco were resolute to deny them from scoring as the match ended in a scoreless draw.
Both nations will be hoping for wins against Canada and Belgium in the other Group F games.
