Morocco’s World Cup journey has come to an end after they were defeated 2-1 by Croatia in the third-place playoff game in Qatar.
An incredible World Cup run for Morocco was a record-breaking, era-defining, region-uniting and expectation-defying spectacle, unmarred by eventual defeat.
The sides were familiar opponents after starting the World Cup against each other back in November. That game finished goalless. This time Croatia were, like France before them in the semi-final, just too good.
Morocco’s World Cup finally over
Third-place play-offs can sometimes feel like mere formalities. With both teams denied a place in the final, the performances can be lacklustre.
It wasn’t the case here, as both teams put on a show. Josko Gvardiol gave Croatia the lead after just seven minutes.
As football fans have seen time and time again at this World Cup, however, the Atlas Lions should never be underestimated.
Two minutes later Achraf Dari, one of Morocco’s World Cup heroes, brought the game level with a close range header.
Just before half time Mislav Orsic restored Croatia’s lead and Morocco never came back into the game.
The defeat in this match will quickly be forgotten. What the Atlas Lions have achieved will be remembered forever.
Not only was it historic achievement in seeing an African and Arab team reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time, but it was done with performances of the highest quality against some of the World’s best teams.
Wins over Belgium, Canada, Spain and Portugal were celebrated accross the Arab world and inspired delight.
Attention now turns to the World Cup final where France play Argentina on Sunday, November 18.
The World Cup final will be screened for free by broadcaster beIN.
Fans across the Middle East and North Africa will be able to watch the game without a subscription on free-to-air channels and YouTube.
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