Morocco finished the 2022 FIFA World Cup in fourth place after losing 2-1 to Croatia in the third/fourth playoff on Saturday evening.
The Atlas Lions lost 2-0 to France in their semi-final in midweek while the Blazers were thumped 3-0 by Argentina.
Morocco manager Walid Regragui before the game said his team still desired to finish with a bronze medal but his team fell behind in just the seventh minute at the Khalifa International Stadium, Josko Gvardiol sending in a powerful header beyond the reach of Yassine Bounou from a Lovro Majer free kick.
It was not long after the North African giants responded from a set piece situation as well, Achraf Dari connecting with Hakim Ziyech’s free kick and heading the ball low into the back of the net.
Luka Modric could have made 2-1 for Croatia in the 24th minute but his low shot from the edge of the penalty box was brilliantly kept out by Bounou. The lead was finally restored three minutes to the half time break thanks to Mislav Orsic who planted a fantastic shot that evaded the head of the entire Morocco backline and found its way into the top right corner of the net.
Gvardiol went down in the box in the 74th minute after a challenge from Sofyan Amrabat. VAR review however turned down the appeal.
The next moment of action came from Youssef En-Nesyri who attempted a shot from close range. Dominik Livakovic was quick to react, pulling a remarkable save. The Sevilla forward was again close to making it 2-2 deep in added time, his headed effort however went over the crossbar.
The result makes it the second time Croatia have finished third at the World Cup, having beaten the Netherlands 2-1 at their maiden tournament outing in 1998. For Morocco, fourth place is a new record for best finish at the mundial by an African or Arab country.
The curtains in Qatar will come down on Sunday when France and Argentina take on each other in the final at the Lusail Stadium.
