Morocco vs Croatia Prediction, World Cup Starting Lineup, Preview

Even though Morocco is the favorite to win, hopes are high that Croatia will produce a strong performance.

Croatia, the runners-up from the previous edition, will get their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign underway against Morocco on Wednesday at the Al Bayt Stadium.

The two teams have been drawn alongside Belgium and Canada in a tricky Group F. Morocco has qualified for the World Cup for the second time in a row, though their 2018 campaign ended in the group stage.

Morocco v Croatia prediction

Despite Morocco being the dark horse for many, Croatia should have too much for Hakim Ziyech and co.

Croatia had a brilliant qualifying campaign and they usually turn up on the big stages of the World Cup and the European Championships.

Luka Modric knows time isn’t on his side at 37 years old and this could be his last World Cup before retirement, so he’ll be keen to inspire his side to have a deep run in the tournament.

Our prediction: Morocco 1-2 Croatia

Preview

Morocco’s Atlas Lions begin their quest for World Cup glory with a clash against 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia on Wednesday, and predictions favor Luka Modric’s side to defeat the opposition.

The match, which will take place at the Albeit Stadium at 11:00 Moroccan time, is the opening match of Group F at the world tournament. The World Cup draw placed the two teams in Group F alongside Belgium and Canada.

Morocco also appeared at the 2018 World Cup, making it their second consecutive appearance. In total, Morocco has participated in six World Cup tournaments. The 1986 World Cup in Mexico was Morocco’s best performance as they qualified for the round of 16 of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Croatia has qualified for the World Cup a total of six times since gaining independence in 1991, 1998, 2002, 2014, 2018, and 2022.

Croatia’s Balzers excelled at the 2018 Russia World Cup, as they qualified for the finals. However, the French national team won the World Cup with a 4-2 victory.

The latest FIFA world football rankings have placed Croatia as the 12th-best team worldwide. Meanwhile, Morocco’s Atlas Lions are the 22nd-best team according to FIFA rankings.

Morocco Vs Croatia Possible Starting Lineup

Croatia’s possible starting lineup

Livakovic; Juranovic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Brozovic, Modric, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic.

Morocco’s possible starting lineup

Bono; Hakimi, Dari, Saiss, Mazraoui; Amrabat, Ounahi, Sabiri; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal

kick-off time and venue

The World Cup group game is scheduled for a 10 am GMT kick-off time on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

Morocco vs Croatia Head-to-Head and Key Numbers

• The two teams will be meeting for just the second time. This will be the first meeting of these two sides in an official game, as their only previous encounter took place in the Hassan II Trophy, a friendly tournament in 1996.
• The game ended 2-2 in regular time and had to be decided on penalties. Croatia came out on top in the shootout, securing a 7-6 win.

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