Morocco’s bid to finish in World Cup’s podium places was thwarted on Saturday evening after falling 2-1 against Croatia in Qatar.
Croatia started the match on a high and seven minutes into the game, they won a free-kick 35 yards from the Morocco goal.
Lovro Majer took it and Ivan Perisic managed to set up Josko Gvardiol who headed it past the Atlas Lions’ keeper.
However, two minutes later, the European nation conceded a set piece in a promising area. Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech took it and Croatian defenders failed to clear the danger leaving Achraf Dari in a prime position to head it home.
Despite failing to beat Croatia, Morocco will go home with their heads held high.
They surprised many by topping their pool – that had Croatia, Canada and Belgium, before defeating Spain in the Round of 16 and Portugal in the quarters respectively to be the first African team in history to reach the semi-final of the World Cup.
Defending champions France cut short Morocco’s final dream by claiming a 2-0 win and they are now scheduled to play Argentina on Sunday.
The South Americans defeated Croatia 3-0 on their way to the last hurdle.
