Croatia and Morocco battle today for the second time at this World Cup to determine the winner of the third-place play-off.
While Qatar 2022 has been full of surprises, the two outsiders were beaten in their respective semi-finals but can still end what has been a famous tournament on a high this afternoon.
The Atlas Lions are already the first African team ever to make it through to the final four but could celebrate the more tangible achievement of finishing third with a win, while Croatia are looking to replicate their success from 1998.
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW CROATIA VS MOROCCO LIVE!
While 2018’s beaten finalists haven’t quite made it to the showpiece fixture again, to secure a second third-placed finish would be another remarkable achievement for a country with a population of only around four million people.
Here’s everything you need to know about today’s game...
Date, kick-off time and venue
The World Cup third-place play-off is scheduled for a 3pm GMT kick-off time on Saturday December 17, 2022.
The Khalifa International Stadium in Al-Rayyan, Doha will host.
Where to watch Croatia vs Morocco
TV channel: The game will be broadcast live and free-to-air on BBC One in the UK, with coverage beginning at 2:30pm.
Live stream: Fans can also catch the action live online via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action LIVE with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog, with expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick, Simon Collings and Nizaar Kinsella at the ground.
Croatia vs Morocco team news
Morocco took a risk with both captain Romain Saiss and Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui for the semi-final defeat by France and it did not pay off with both having to be withdrawn early through injury.
Meanwhile, West Ham’s Nayef Aguerd was originally named in the starting lineup on Wednesday before a late withdrawal before kick-off, with manager Walid Regragui insisting he was recovering from flu rather than another fitness setback.
The likes of Achraf Dari, Yahya Attiat-Allah and Jawad El Yamiq should all continue to deputise at the back for Morocco this weekend, with the Atlas Lions decimated by fitness issues.
Croatia, meanwhile, have Celtic’s Josip Juranovic sidelined, with doubts over Marcelo Brozovic and Borna Sosa. Star defender Josko Gvardiol has also been battling a foot injury.
Manager Zlatko Dalic has promised to field a strong side, though the likes of Josip Stanisic, Borna Barisic, Martin Erlic, Lovro Majer and Kristijan Jakic will all be pushing for a starting berth.
Croatia vs Morocco prediction
After the disappointment of not reaching the final, teams can suffer something of a hangover. If any side has the experience to deal with that, it is surely Croatia.
Croatia to win, 1-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
These two nations have met just twice before, playing out a goalless draw in the group stages of this tournament.
Their previous contest was in 1996, when Croatia won the Hassan II Trophy in Casablanca.
Croatia wins: 1
Draws: 1
Morocco wins: 0
Croatia vs Morocco match odds
Croatia to finish third: 4/6
Morocco to finish third: 11/10
Draw (90 mins): 5/2
