Croatia have been boosted by the return of Mateo Kovacic as they kick off their World Cup campaign against Morocco.
In what looks like a competitive group also containing the experienced Belgium side and tournament wildcards in Canada, most of the star players should be on display as the Atlas Lions take on 2018’s beaten finalists.
Hakim Ziyech is back in the fold after a managerial change in the Moroccan camp and headlines a talented group of players.
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Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi and Bayern star Noussair Mazaroui are being tipped as perhaps the best full-back pairing in the competition as a whole. Nayef Aguerd is fit enough to start in central defence now the West Ham star is over his injury.
Croatia, meanwhile, have a midfield most would envy, with Luka Modric and Marcelo Brozovic but now Chelsea’s Kovacic. Tottenham’s Ivan Perisic also provides vast experience in a forward role this morning.
Confirmed team news
Morocco: Bounou, Hakimi, Saiss, Aguerd, Mazraoui, Ounahi, Amrabat, Ziyech, Amallah, Boufal, En-Nesyri
Subs: Hamdallah, Zaroury, Sabiri, Mohamedi, Chair, Aboukhlal, Ezzalzouli, El Yamiq, Dari, Cheddira, Tagnaouti, El Khannous, Benoun, Attiyat Allah, Jabrane
Croatia: Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Vlasic, Kramaric, Perisic
Subs: Stanisic, Barisic, Erlic, Majer, Grbic, Livaja, Pasalic, Petkovic, Budimir, Orsic, Vida, Ivusic, Sutalo, Sucic, Jakic
