World Cup 2022 3rd Place Play Off Preview

PROBABLE LINE UPS FOR BOTH SIDES

These two sides played out a goalless draw in their opening game of the tournament and no one would've thought that they would both be fighting it out to finish 3rd.

Croatia have again surprised a lot of people at this World Cup and the credit has to go to their manager. They didn't do great at the Euro's last year but at the World Cup, Zlatko Dalic has taken his side far when no one has expected him to on both occasions. He deserves a lot of praise for the job he's done and I'm sure he'll want to keep it up for the next few years.

I saw Croatia as an ageing team going into this World Cup with a number of their players over the age of 30. But that didn't stop them reaching the semi finals as many of their more experienced players were still able to come up with that quality when they needed it. Their experience played a crucial role in their journey into the latter stages as did the performances of some of their younger players.

Morocco have surprised many people at this World Cup with how far they went and the teams they beat along the way. Many of their players put in a real shift for their team and I hope that they can carry their performances at this World Cup into future major tournaments.

They'll obviously be hurting after their semi final defeat to France where they had some good chances. They definitely deserved something from the game as they caused the French a number of problems and really went for it after going a goal behind. They'll now need to pick themselves up for this one so they can end their tournament on a high.

PREDICTION: 1-0

Both teams will be playing for pride here but they'll still take this one seriously as there is something to play for. It will be a close contest as both sides are well drilled defensively and also have some good attacking players. But I think it will be Croatia who will clinch third spot as Morocco are missing one or two key players in their backline. With Morocco also likely to still be hurting after their semi final defeat to France, Croatia should still edge this one as they have more experience and knowhow for these kind of games.