Lineups Croatia vs Morocco for Saturday Third Final
But Croatia and Morocco must now dust themselves off before fighting to gain some kind of recognition for their achievements in Qatar
Speaking after missing out on a place in the final, both coaches hinted that they see this game as much more than a tournament-ending friendly.
So how will your teams look for this one? Below are the anticipated lineups.
Croatia vs Morocco lineups
Morocco coach Walid Regragui expects another big effort from his players after describing their World Cup semi-final defeat to France as a "step too far".
Atlas Lions have been the surprise in Qatar, but will only have third place to play after being knocked out by the world champions.
Regragui said: “At a World Cup, maybe that was a step too far. Not in terms of quality or tactics, but physically we fell short.
“We had a lot of players with 60 percent or 70 percent. With all our squad in shape, we could have caused them a lot of trouble.”
Croatia Lineups Starting XI Predictions
(Strategy 4-3-3) : 1. Livakovic (GK) — 22. Juranovic, 6. Lovren, 20. Gvardiol, 19. Sosa — 10. Modric, 11. Brozovic, 8. Kovacic — 15. Pasalic , 9. Kramaric, 4. Perisic
- Injured: None
- Suspended: None
Zlatko Dalic has maintained a largely established squad throughout this tournament and, having made it clear how eager he is to secure third place, he will likely retain his big hitters for this game.
That likely includes Marcelo Brozovic who was pulled out early in the Argentina game just as a precaution, according to his coach.
Morocco Lineups Starting XI Predictions
(Strategy 4-3-3): 1. Bounou (GK) — 2. Hakimi, 20. Dari, 18. El Yamiq, 25. Attiyat Allah — 8. Ounahi, 4. Amrabat, 15. Amallah — 7. Ziyech, 19. En-Nesyri, 17. Boufal
- Injury : Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui
- Suspended: None
Morocco lost defender Nayef Aguerd to injury moments before kick-off against France, while Romain Saiss was taken off with just 20 minutes and Noussair Mazraoui at half-time.
As such, expect changes to a back line that has seen plenty of them this tournament, with Achraf Dari, Yahya Attiyat Allah and Selim Amallah likely to benefit.
Walid Cheddira could also be in contention after serving a one-match suspension for a red card earned in the quarter-finals.
