Morocco vs Croatia takes place today as Walid Regragui and Zlatko Dalic battle for third place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Atlas Lions find themselves fighting for third place after losing 2-0 to France in a spirited semi-final display, while Croatia failed to reach the final after a 3-0 loss to Argentina.
So, what are the details behind the third place playoff? Are medals involved? Let’s take a look…
Morocco vs Croatia
Well, Morocco have already faced Croatia in the 2022 World Cup, with both sides playing out a 0-0 draw in Group F.
However, there are now medals, and bonus payments, involved.
Whoever wins today’s third place playoff – which kicks off at 3pm in the United Kingdom – will receive £22.2m in prize money, with each player receiving a bronze medal.
Whoever loses, and ultimately finishes fourth at the World Cup, will receive £20.6m – but no medals.
Who is favoured, Croatia or Morocco?
In our view, Croatia find themselves in a much stronger position to win the third place playoff.
Dalic’s side had one extra day to prepare for the game after suffering defeat to Argentina on Tuesday, whereas Morocco lost to France on Wednesday.
The Atlas Lions also have a number of injury absences.
Regragui was forced to substitute Romain Saiss early on in the 2-0 loss to France, while other key players such as Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui are also injured.
In contrast, Croatia will have the likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, Dejan Lovren and Mateo Kovacic fit and ready to go as they look to finish third after ending the 2018 World Cup as finalists.
Whatever happens, both nations have done themselves proud on the world stage, with Morocco in particular making football history after becoming the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final.
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