Morocco vs Croatia LIVE: World Cup 2022 result, final score and reaction today
Morocco 0-0 Croatia: The Group F clash ended goalless with Luka Modric and co frustrated at the Al Bayt Stadium
Croatia‘s bid to emulate their World Cup exploits of four years ago began in stuttering fashion with a frustrating Group F stalemate against Morocco. The 2018 runners-up controlled possession at Al Bayt Stadium but lacked a cutting edge in a forgettable 0-0 draw against opposition with just two World Cup victories in their history.
Nikola Vlasic went close to an opener in first-half added time, while Noussair Mazraoui and Achraf Hakimi threatened winners for Morocco in the second period. The result leaves both sides with hope of reaching the knockout stages - albeit with plenty to do - in a group also containing Belgium and Canada. Croatia‘s starting XI contained five players who were involved in their 4-2 World Cup final defeat to France in Russia, including influential captain Luka Modric.
Manager Zlatko Dalic also remained from that match in Moscow and saw his side struggle to create in a tight, uninspiring opening period largely devoid of clear openings. Tottenham’s Ivan Perisic lashed narrowly over from distance, while Chelsea forward Hakim Ziyech wastefully fired a well-positioned free-kick straight into the wall at the other end.Croatia saved their best first-half attempts for added time.
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was finally tested when he repelled a close-range poke from Vlasic with a thigh, before Modric smashed over just before the whistle. Walid Regragui only took charge of the Atlas Lions three months before the tournament and was yet to see his new side concede a goal.
They remained resilient at the back after the restart and also improved from an attacking perspective, with Bayern Munich full-back Mazraoui, who was later stretchered off injured, seeing a header pushed away by Dominik Livakovic. Paris St Germain defender Hakimi then had a superb long-range effort denied by Croatia keeper Livakovic after being teed up by Ziyech at a free-kick before the contest faded away into the third goalless draw in the competition’s last four games. Croatia continue their campaign against Canada on Sunday afternoon, with Morocco facing Belgium earlier that day.
Germany 1-1 Japan
82 mins: Another Germany corner from Kimmich this time fails to beat the first man...
They’re in a rush now are the 2014 champions!
Germany 1-1 Japan
80 mins: Kimmich whips in a corner - and Rudiger gets up first but he gets too much on the ball, which sails over!
10 to go, which way will this swing now?
Germany 1-1 Japan
78 mins: Japan subs have been terrific - Minamino looking lively straight away!
Hansi Flick looks to change something: Gotze and Fullkrug ON, Havertz and Musiala OFF.
Mario Gotze knows when to make a difference in a World Cup... can he get Germany out of jail herre?!
Germany 1-1 Japan (Doan 75’)
75 mins: Japan are level now!
Ritsu Doan, the Japan substitute, is the scorer! Minamino’s cross is palmed away by Manuel Neuer but only to Doan, who has the composure to lift the ball into an empty net!
For all those missed chances, the Germans are back level. Anyone’s game this now!
Germany 1-0 Japan
73 mins: What a miss - Japan should be level!
The ball comes in at the back post - Junya Ito’s shot is saved brilliantly by Manuel Neuer but the goal is gaping for Hiroki Sakai, who strikes over the bar!
Takumi Minamino is ON for Japan; with Hiroki Sakai OFF.
Germany 1-0 Japan
72 mins: Four saves in quick succession from Japan goalkeeper Gonda!
He first denies Hoffman, set up by Gnabry, before denying Gnabry with a long range shot, a header and a follow-up!
Terrrific from the Japan man between the sticks!
Germany 1-0 Japan
68 mins: Good battle this between Asano and Rudiger!
The Japan forward tries to swivel in the box but the Germany defender is rock solid, the ball deflecting behind for a corner which is eventually collected by Manuel Neuer!
Germany 1-0 Japan
66 mins: Bit of pressure from Japan, but Germany hold firm for now.
Two changes for the Germans: Hofmann and Goretzka ON; Muller and Gundogan OFF.
Germany 1-0 Japan
61 mins: Suddenly... it’s very open!
Japan substitute Asano involved again - he’s played in and instead of taking on Rudiger, he shoots quickly - but it sails well over Neuer’s goal!
Germany 1-0 Japan
60 mins: Gundogan hits the post!
Havertz plays in Musiala, who in turns feeds Gundogan running towards the box - he shoots cleverly towards the near post, but it hits the outside of the woodwork!
Japan still in this!
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments