Dalic aims for a powerful comeback that earns a medal, pressing to match the level he reached in Russia in 2018. Regragui stays impatient to keep surprising the world and turning heads on the largest stages.
In Croatia the mission is unmistakable: regain the edge lost in a tight clash with Argentina, a 3-0 defeat that came after a dramatic run through playoffs and the group phase. Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez lit the field that night, reminding Croatian attackers and midfielders of the quality they must face. The squad now meets a Morocco side that previously fell to France 2-0 in a difficult assignment, underscoring how thin the margins are at the world level. The group stage ended 0-0, with Croatia producing twice as many passes but not translating that control into the needed goals. The matchup is framed as a near rematch, with former rivals trading trends and tactical tweaks in a clash loaded with expectations for both teams.
Unlike the Copa América, where a fourth place can carry a medal in some years, Qatar 2022 awarded its bronze a special prestige. Zlatko Dalic, guided from the sideline by the steady leadership of Luka Modric, seeks to close the tournament by honoring a Golden Generation and launching a fresh cycle ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The challenge is clear: Croatia arrived as delightful surprises, collecting eleven points by the seventh game, and now they aim to translate those performances into a bronze finish rather than a missed dream. The ambition is simple: honor the run, respect the road, and leave with a memorable conclusion that solidifies their status on the world stage.
keepers
defenses
Midfielders
strikers
keepers
defenses
Midfielders
strikers
WHEN IS
THE FORMATION OF CROATIA
Dominik Livakovic; Josip Juricic, Dejan Lovren, Josko Gvardiol, Borna Sosa; Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, Mateo Kovacic; Andrej Kramaric, Bruno Petkovic and Ivan Perisic. DT Zlatko Dalic.
THE MOROCCO LINEUP
Yassine Bono; Achraf Hakimi, Achraf Dari, Jawad El Yamiq, Noussair Mazraoui; Azzedine Ounahi, Sofyan Amrabat, Selim Amallah; Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri and Sofiane Boufal. DT Walid Regragui.
EXAMPLE IN FIGURES
Citation: Goal