World Cup live updates: Morocco holds off Croatia for scoreless draw; Germany vs. Japan up next
shocked the world Tuesday, beating Lionel Messi and Argentina 2-1 in Group C of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Could another upset be brewing?
Returning to the World Cup for the first time in 36 years, Canada’s first task is a tall one against the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Belgium. Croatia, the runners-up from the 2018 World Cup, drew Morocco in a scoreless final tally. Germany vs. Japan and Spain vs. Costa Rica round out the middle of Day 4.
Morocco holds off Croatia, final score 0-0
After starting the tournament in an uncharacteristically high-scoring fashion across seven games, three matches ended in scoreless draws, including this one.
Modric had the best chance for either side in the first half. His side finished the game with 65% of the possession. Croatia couldn’t capitalize on any of the five corners they earned. Meanwhile, Achraf Hakimi had a chance to convert a set piece from the center of goal outside the box, but Dominik Livakovic made the save.
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Morocco fans show up for their team
The fans of Morocco have been audible all game, with a distinctive whistle deterring Croatia every time it has any sort of attack. They were also quite vocal during the national anthem.
Mazraoui exits the game
Morocco was forced to make a substitution after Noussair Mazraui goes down. He had been dealing with a knock to his hip area for much of the second half and had to be stretchered off.
Mazraoui, an outside back for Morocco and German powerhouse Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, recored one shot on target, 39 touches and four tackles in his 60 minutes Wednesday.
Scenes from Qatar, Saudi Arabia new favorites
Saudi Arabia has suddenly become the World Cup’s favorite underdog. At the Souq Waqif in central Doha on Wednesday morning, many of the fans were carrying Saudi flags or congratulating those who were. A table of England fans let out a loud cheer when a Saudi fan walked by and when he shook his flag and yelled “Argentina!” they cheered him again. — Nancy Armour, Doha, Qatar
Croatia’s classic kits? Design your own kit
Fond of the classic look of Croatia’s kits? Captivated by the statement of the Danish look? Or think you could make a better U.S. jersey? Twist, rotate and zoom your player while you put your stamp on the 2022 kit and share with friends.
Modric skies final attempt of the half
WIth a clear chance from a throw in, the ball fell to the lethal left foot of Modric. The midfielder had a direct shot on goal about 25 yards out, but his shot soared over the crossbar. He new he bottle a golden chance. The teams go into halftime scoreless.
The first half was evenly match, with plenty of intensity in the middle of the field, but the final product was missing from both sides. Croatia had a small edge on possession with 59% and the only shot on target.
Big save from Moroccan goalkeeper
The most threatening chance for either team came in stoppage time of the first half. For Croatia, Ivan Perisic started the attack. Borna Sosa crossed to Nikola Vlasic, but goalkeeper Yassine Bounou got in the way. Great save from the keeper in one of the first times he was truly called upon.
Strong Croatian midfield
In the kickoff of Group F play, Croatia begins its quest to build on that 2018 run when the country made it to the World Cup final but lost 4-2 to France.
Though a small country, Croatia has plenty of representation in soccer’s biggest leagues — especially in the midfield. Mateo Kovacic plays for Chelsea, Marcelo Brozovic starts for Inter Milan in Italy and Luka Modric is considered one of the greatest midfielders currently in the game. In 2018, he was the first player since 2007 not named Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Ballon D’or, an award for the best soccer player in the world.
Meanwhile, Morocco makes its sixth tournament appearance, having only made it past the group stage once in 1986. Morocco is typically strong in the build up to the World Cup, but struggles once it’s there.
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