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

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Sports

Messi Opens Up On Relationship With Cristiano Ronaldo

Published

5 days ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Barcelona and Argentina legend, Lionel Messi, has opened up on his relationship and long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo following years of intense competition between the two football icons.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo faced off at the pinnacle of football for many years.

Fans watched with bated breath as “La Pulga” and CR7 consistently tried to outdo one another.

In a recent interview on Argentine television, Messi reflected on his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi and Ronaldo encountered each other more frequently as adversaries during their tenures at Barcelona and Real Madrid from 2009 to 2018.

“What transpired was a remarkable sporting rivalry,” Messi told Polloalvarezok.

“It is a natural occurrence in football. I was with Barcelona while he was with Real Madrid, and we were competing for everything, both as a team and individually, which led to constant comparisons between us.

“However, our relationship was always positive and respectful, and everything that unfolded was strictly athletic. There was nothing personal.

“We did not often meet outside matches or award ceremonies, and we maintained a cordial relationship.

“Now we find ourselves in different phases of our lives, but what transpired was indeed a remarkable sporting rivalry.”

Sports

LaLiga: Real Madrid Open Negotiations With Mourinho Amid Fights In Dressing Room

Published

5 days ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Real Madrid have established direct contact with Benfica manager, Jose Mourinho, as they seek to bring the Portuguese back to the club.

President Florentino Perez is keen to appoint Mourinho ahead of next season.

Perez will however have to pay a fee to release the former Manchester United and Chelsea boss from his current contract.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X on Friday: “Real Madrid have started José Mourinho operation with direct contacts now taking place.

“Benfica want Mou to stay at all costs but aware of Real talks ongoing; it depends on Madrid.

“Up to Florentino Pérez: he will decide if Mourinho returns or not.”

This comes in a week when the tensions within the Madrid dressing room became public.

Captain Federico Valverde had to be taken to hospital after clashing with Aurelien Tchouameni in training.

Days before then, Antonio Rudiger reportedly slapped Alvaro Carreras and was forced to apologize.

It is also rumoured that certain players openly mock interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa.

Sports

Turkey: Galatasaray Give Condition To Sell Victor Osimhen

Published

5 days ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Galatasaray board member, Bora Bahçetepe, has insisted that the club will sell their star striker Victor Osimhen if they receive an offer of 150-200 million euros.

Bahçetepe stated this on the HT Spor broadcast while fielding questions about Osimhen’s future amid reports linking the Nigerian international with a move away from Galatasaray in the summer transfer window.

Galatasaray has many players, including Osimhen, whose future is uncertain at the end of the season.

“Victor Osimhen is the best striker in Europe,” Bahçetepe said.

“We won’t sell him unless we receive an offer of 150-200 million euros,” he said.

Osimhen joined Galatasaray from Serie A side Napoli on a permanent transfer in 2025.