The month-long period of intense World Cup action is coming to a close as Croatia and Morocco battle it out in the third place playoff on Saturday evening.
The Moroccans will go home extremely proud despite the result as they made history by becoming the first African team to reach the semifinals.
Morocco’s dream run in Qatar was brought to a halt by world champions France as they suffered a 2-0 defeat in the semis on Wednesday.
On the road to the semis, the North African giants were unbeaten and stunned the world by knocking out 2010 winners Spain and Portugal.
In this dreamy run in the tournament, Morocco also had only conceded an own goal in a 2-1 win against Canada.
Croatia, who were beaten finalists in 2018, failed to make it to the final game after suffering a humbling 3-0 defeat to Argentina.
Zlatko Dalic’s side remarkably reached the 2018 final and the semi-finals of the 2022 edition without winning a knockout game in normal time.
Though it is notable to remember that Croatia beat Netherlands in the third place playoff in 1998 during their inaugural appearance at the finals.
This will be the second time these sides are facing each other in the 2022 competition after playing out to a goalless draw in their Group F clash.
Who will come out on top and clinch their bronze status at the World Cup? Click here to make your predictions.
What time does Croatia vs Morocco start?
The game kicks off at 6pm Kenyan time at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Croatia vs Morocco team news
Key players Marcelo Brozovic and impressive defender Josko Gvardiol are doubts for this game after picking up injuries in the semifinal defeat.
Lovro Majer and Kristijan Jakic are both pushing for a place in the starting XI in their absence.
Luka Modric will start what seems to be his last ever game at a World Cup with Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric retaining their spots as well.
For Morocco, captain Romain Saiss is the main injury concern and is expected to miss out.
The impressive trio of Hakim Ziyech, Sofiane Boufal and Youssef En Nesyri are all expected to start and lead the attacking line.
Croatia vs Morocco head to head
The group stage game was the only encounter between these two sides and it ended in a barren stalemate.
Croatia vs Morocco current form
Both sides have lost just once in their most recent run of five games.
The Atlas Lions have won three of those games while their European counterparts had to win two via a penalty shootout.
Croatia vs Morocco prediction
Despite losing out on the main prize, third place still brings with it bragging rights of its own and this will be a closely contested affair.
Neither side is known to concede easily and it could be all level at the 90, forcing extra time.