Sports

W’Cup: Morocco Narrowly Lose Third-place Match To Croatia

Published

3 years ago

December 17, 2022

Croatia defeated Morocco 2-1 in the World Cup third place play-off on Saturday, with Mislav Orsic curling home the winner.

Josko Gvardiol, one of the stars of the tournament in Qatar, headed Croatia into the lead in the seventh minute at the Khalifa International Stadium but Achraf Dari brought Morocco level right away.

Orsic’s terrific curling strike late in the first half ensured Croatia took home the bronze medal, the 11th World Cup in a row a European team finished third.

Morocco, the first World Cup semi-finalists in history, had signalled their intent with a spirited display against 2018 runners-up Croatia in their opening game in Qatar.

The rematch was nothing like the cagey 0-0 draw in the group stage, with Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou dangerously close to passing the ball into his own net early on.

Croatia soon surged in front from a well-rehearsed free-kick as Ivan Perisic nodded Lovro Majer’s clip into the box back towards a diving Gvardiol, who planted his header into the corner.

But Morocco hit back two minutes later when Hakim Ziyech’s free-kick looped up off the head of Majer, allowing Dari to head past Dominik Livakovic.

Andrej Kramaric headed straight at Bounou, who then did well to scoop the ball to safety as Marko Livaja closed in after spilling a drive from Luka Modric.

Orsic curled in brilliantly via the post from the corner of the box to put Croatia back on top before half-time after 18-year-old Morocco debutant Bilal El Khannouss lost the ball deep in his half.

Orsic again went close moments after the restart, his goalbound effort brushing Jawad El Yamiq and fizzing narrowly past the post.

Croatia were furious when Gvardiol tumbled inside the area when his foot appeared to be caught by Sofyan Amrabat, but there was no VAR review.

It could have proved a match-changing moment had Youssef En-Nesyri found a way past Livakovic, who spread himself superbly to block the striker from close range.

Mateo Kovacic put wide with the chance to put the game beyond doubt. Morocco had a late penalty appeal turned down and En-Nesyri headed just over but the Atlas Lions could not find a way back after their historic run.
AFP/PUNCH

Related Topics:croatia Morocco Third-place World Cup

Up Next

France Vs Argentina: Trezeguet Picks Team To Win 2022 World Cup Final

Don't Miss

Qatar 2022: He’s Now Bad Player – Evra Speaks On Ronaldo Retiring

Comments

Sports

[FULL LIST] U-17 W’ World Cup: Nigeria Face Italy As Knockout Stage Begins

Published

2 hours ago

October 26, 2025

Editor

The knockout phase of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is set to kick off in Morocco, with Nigeria’s Flamingos drawn against Italy in one of the standout Round of 16 fixtures.

The match is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, at the Stade Olympique de Rabat, with kickoff at 8:00 p.m. Nigeria.

Their qualification follows an emphatic 4–0 victory over Samoa in Rabat on Saturday.

The Flamingos will now aim to build on their impressive group-stage campaign as they continue their push for a historic first world title.

Host nation Morocco will also be in action the same evening, taking on South Korea at the Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 2 in Sale, where home fans are expected to create a charged atmosphere in support of the Atlas Lionesses.

Earlier on Tuesday, Brazil will battle China PR, while the United States square off against the Netherlands, both matches slated for 4:30 p.m. in Sale.

The game continues on Wednesday, October 29, with Mexico facing Paraguay at 4:30 p.m., while defending champions Spain meet France in a mouthwatering all-European clash at the same time and venue.

Later that night, Canada will take on Zambia, and Japan, one of the tournament’s top contenders, will lock horns with Colombia to round off the Round of 16 fixtures.

All matches will be staged across venues in Rabat and Sale, with global coverage available via major sports networks and FIFA’s digital platforms.

As the competition enters its decisive stage, only four wins now separate the remaining 16 teams from lifting the prestigious U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.

Eight winning teams in the round of 16 will move to the quarter-final stage starting Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Full Round of 16 Fixtures
Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Brazil U17 vs China PR U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 3, Sale)

United States U17 vs Netherlands U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Italy U17 vs Nigeria U17 – 8:00 PM (Stade Olympique de Rabat, Rabat)

South Korea U17 vs Morocco U17 – 8:00 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 2, Sale)

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Mexico U17 vs Paraguay U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 3, Sale)

Spain U17 vs France U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Canada U17 vs Zambia U17 – 8:00 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Japan U17 vs Colombia U17 – 8:00 PM (Venue TBC)

Sports

SWAN Kicks Off 60th Anniversary/Awards With Religious Services

Published

3 days ago

October 23, 2025

Editor

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is set to hold its 60th anniversary with Jumat Prayer and Thanksgiving on Friday October 24, 2025.

A statement by the Media and Publicity Committee of the anniversary said the special prayer and thanksgiving will be held in all the state chapters and FCT at the venues which would be determined by the leadership of the various chapters.

According to the statement, the SWAN Diamond Jubilee and Award Ceremony will also feature the full council which is a meeting of the National Executive Council, zonal vice presidents and secretaries and state chairmen and secretaries.

The committee, while inviting “government functionaries, lovers of sports, members of the association and the general public to join SWAN members at the services to thank God for a successful 60-year journey,” added: “All activities at the event will hold at the National Stadium, Abuja between Oct. 29 and Oct. 31.”

“It will also be an opportunity for us to collectively pray for protection of members, better sports fortuneNigeria’s sports men and women and a more prosperous sports sector,” it said.

Sports

EPL: Trossard Strike As Arsenal Beat Fulham 1-0

Published

1 week ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

Arsenal edged past Fulham with a narrow 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage, climbing three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. The result marked another composed and professional display from Mikel Arteta’s side, who continue to show their title credentials.

The decisive moment came in the second half when Leandro Trossard calmly finished after a clever set-piece routine.

Bukayo Saka delivered a dangerous corner that was flicked on by Gabriel, setting up Trossard to slot home the winner.

Arteta’s side dominated possession throughout, limiting Fulham to very few chances in front of goal.

The hosts struggled to create any real threat, with Arsenal’s defence staying compact and composed.

With the victory, Arsenal overtake Manchester City to sit three points clear at the summit after another disciplined away performance.

More to follow…