With Croatia coming the closest to lifting the World Cup in the tournament's previous edition, they’ll know all eyes will be on them. Their opposition in this one is a Morocco side who are currently the second-best team in Africa, according to FIFA’s world rankings.
To Win
Morocco 11/4 | Draw 85/40 | Croatia 11/10
Morocco boasts a handful of European based players; however, the African country could boast the best wing back pairing, consisting of Bayern Munich based Noussair Mazraoui and the Parisian Achraf Hakimi, in the tournament.
Across his previous three home league appearances, Mazaraoui has delivered two assists from his five chances created. The wingback has cemented his place in the squad, appearing in 11 of the Bavarian’s 15 league fixtures this season. Moreover, only two teammates have notched up more minutes than he has in the Champions League this season.
On the other flank, Hakimi has also become a regular for PSG. During the AFCON earlier this year, Hakimi led his teammates for shots on target, tackles, interceptions, ground duels won and minutes played. Furthermore, he was fouled the most from all teammates and demonstrated his set piece ability, converting two free kicks.
Moving up the pitch, widemen Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal will continue the attack in the advanced areas. Whilst Ziyech has been reduced to a cameo appearance here and there for London outfit Chelsea, he is an integral part of the Atlas Lions. The talisman announced his retirement from international football in February (amid tensions with then manager Vahid Halilhodzic) before the Royal Moroccan Football Federation intervened. Ziyech has since rejoined his countrymen and could be back with a bang in this one!
The hearts of football neutrals around the world were won over by Croatia, in the 2018 edition of the global spectacle. Indeed, that tournament tested Luka Modric & Co physically (two knockout round fixtures went to extra time) and mentally (conceded the first goal in each of their knockout round fixtures en route to the final).
That rodeo proved to be the last dance for veterans such as Mario Mandzukic, Vedran Corluka and Danijel Subasic, opting to hang up their shirts. All eyes will be on captain fantastic (and 2017/18 Ballon d’Or winner) Luka Modric. The 37-year-old will take to the pitch alongside fresh faces, with head coach Zlatko Dalic opting for the veteran midfielder to lead the national side on the big stage. Only time will tell if this was the correct call.
Prediction: Croatia Win (11/10)
Croatia will undoubtedly come into this one as the favourites and for good reason. In their previous tournament appearance, Dalic guided his side into the knockout rounds with a 100% record, conceding just a single goal along the way.
