The Croatian national team did not have an easy life in the group. In the company of Belgium, Canada and Morocco, the team of Zlatko Dalic was the second. Only one victory was achieved at the group stage. Canada was defeated with a score of 4:1 in the second round. With the Belgians and Moroccans, the “checkers” painted two goalless draws, thus finishing on the second line in the group after Morocco. In the 1/8 finals Croatia was rivaled by Japan, in the confrontation with which it was difficult to win back in the second half and transferred the match first to extra time, then to the penalty shootout, where it turned out to be stronger. On penalties the checkers also beat Brazil, again managing to answer the opponent with a goal, but this time in extra-times. In the semi-finals with Argentina, the struggle, as such, did not work out. Already in the first half the Croats conceded twice, failing to return to the game, conceding another goal from Albiceleste in the second half of the meeting.
The Moroccan national team was in a very strong group along with Croatia, Belgium and Canada, where it could hardly be considered a favorite. However, after a goalless draw with Croatia, the team of Valid Regraga believed in themselves and dealt sensationally with Belgium (2:0), practically guaranteeing themselves a way out of the group. The Atlas Lions did not stop there and beat Canada 2:1 in the last round, finishing first. In the 1/8 finals the Moroccan team held back the onslaught of Spain and survived until the penalty shootout, where the Spaniards did not leave a chance. With Portugal the Moroccans did not bring things to extra-times, beating the “team of the elite” 1:0 thanks to a goal by Youssef En-Nesiri. However, it did not work out to create another sensation in the semi-finals. France realized their chances and played well in defense. At the same time, a 0:2 defeat allows Morocco to count on bronze. More success soccer prediction can be obtained from the link provided.
