Morocco begin their World Cup journey when they come up against Croatia in their Group F opener at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday . The Atlas Lions are looking to upset the odds when they face the Vatreni in a lunch time kick off.
Walid Regragui’s side are unbeaten in five games going into their World Cup opener.
Croatia are without several of the players who impressed in Russia, and there is reason to believe that Morocco’s match-winners could cause an upset.
Croatia will be expected to qualify for the knockout rounds. As long as they avoid any unpleasant surprises, there is every reason to believe they can upset the applecart for a second time at the world stage.
This will be the second-ever meeting between Morocco and Croatia, with their first encounter coming in the semi-finals of the 1996 Hassan II Trophy.
In what was an action-packed contest in Casablanca, the North Africans fought back from two goals down to tie the game before Croatia prevailed 7-6 on penalties.
Morocco do have a couple of injury concerns to take into account for the game. Abdelhamid Sabiri is a doubt for the game, while Abdessamad Ezzalzouli is nursing a hamstring injury.
Key Players and Match set-up
Morocco are likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation that can get the best out of their top stars. Yassine Bounou should start in goal behind the back four of Achraf Hakimi, Romain Saiss, Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui.
The duo of Sofyan Amrabat and Azzedine Ounahi should form the double pivot and will hope to keep Croatia’s midfield led by Luka Modric in check. Keeping the Real Madrid playmaker shackled will certainly take the steam out of Croatia’s build-up play.
Hakim Ziyech will lead Morocco’s creative side of things and will hope to leave a lasting impression on the tournament. Alongside Sofiane Boufal and Selim Amallah, the Chelsea playmaker will hope to craft opportunities for Youssef En-Nesyri upfront.
Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia come into the World Cup with just one defeat in their last 16 games.
Croatia are likely to set up in a 4-3-3 formation with Dominik Livakovic in goal. The strength lies in its midfield trio of Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric and Marcelo Brozovic.
Nikola Vlasic and Ivan Perisic will be tasked with providing the spark in attack and also width out on the flanks. Croatia have failed to adequately replace Mario Mandzukic and now have to rely on Marko Livaja to bang in the goals.
Match Details
Morocco vs Croatia (Group F)
Date: Wednesday 23 November
Time: Kick off 12:00 hrs CAT|13:00 hrs EAT
Venue: Al Bayt Stadium
