In Pictures

Photos: Croatia claim third place at World Cup with Morocco win

Led by captain Luka Modric, Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 in the third-place playoff at the football World Cup in Qatar.

croatia vs morocco — Morocco's Azzedine Ounahi and Croatia's Bruno Petkovic fight for the ball during the match at Khalifa International Stadium [Sorin Furcoi/XEn News]

By Showkat Shafi, Sorin Furcoi and Alexandra Stanescu

Doha, Qatar – Croatia have defeated Morocco in the third-place playoff of the football World Cup in Qatar, completing another impressive run after finishing runners-up in the previous tournament four years ago.

Zlatko Dalic’s side took the lead on Saturday with Josko Gvardiol’s header in the seventh minute. But Walid Regragui’s players hit back quickly, with Achraf Dari bringing the game at Khalifa International Stadium level just two minutes later.

Mislav Orsic’s spectacular curling effort in the 42nd minute gave Croatia the lead again, and ultimately the victory to the 2018 finalists in Russia.

Morocco, the surprise team of the tournament and the first from Africa to reach the last four, tried to find the equaliser until the last minute but was unable to break through the Croatia defence.

Croatia goal — Josko Gvardiol puts his team ahead with a beautiful header. Ivan Perisic had headed the ball back to him after a well-worked free-kick routine. [Showkat Shafi/XEn News]

goal — The effort by Mislav Orsic to give Croatia the lead. The curling shot looped over Morocco's keeper, clipping the inside of the post to rebound into the opposite side netting. [Showkat Shafi/XEn News]

Orsic and Perisic celebrate Croatia's second goal. [Sorin Furcoi/XEn News]

croatia 3rd place — Croatia players celebrate after receiving their bronze medals. [Showkat Shafi/XEn News]