Morocco and Croatia tie, Canada do well at FIFA World Cup

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AL RAYYAN, Qatar — Canada got some good news before kicking the ball in their first FIFA World Cup game in 36 years.

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With Croatia and Morocco drawing scoreless earlier in the day, the pressure was on from Canada to face Belgium here at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

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Now, even losing to the once top-ranked team in the world, Canada are very close to the two teams they need to beat to advance to the next round.

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Croatia, who were surprising finalists in Russia four years ago, were expected to handle Morocco in the North’s opener at the Arbait stadium in Al Khor, but will only make their sixth world appearance. I found it difficult to play against experienced North African players who had played the cup.

“We said in the preview[the pre-match media meeting]that we are expecting a tough opponent and a game. “They stayed behind the ball like blocks, waiting for our mistakes to create chances from counterattacks.

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we were ready for it. Perhaps the passes lacking determination, verticality and bravery to break through their defense. we were not successful. ”

Morocco tried to frustrate Croatia by putting many players behind the ball and they did. Croatia were limited to two long-range efforts and one tight effort in the first half as they had to work hard to break down Morocco’s defense.

Ivan Perisic hit a long shot from a turnover sail just above the net. Croatia had the ball outside by Bornacosa just before the end of the first half and sent a low cross to Nikola Vlasic up front. Vlasic was tight and could only redirect a ball blocked by Moroccan goalkeeper Yasin Bounou.

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Near the end of the half, Modric had his usual chance to clean up when a blocked shot bounced off the top of the penalty area. But Modric couldn’t keep the ball below the crossbar.

In the second half, the game slowed down to a crawl with neither team producing much. Morocco’s best chance came when midfielder Nousser his Mazrawi fired a shot that was blocked inside his six-yard box.

“It was a difficult game, especially in the first 15 minutes,” Modric said. “We missed something up front.”

Four years ago, Croatia caught a bolt of lightning in a bottle and rode it through to the World Cup final, only to lose to France. Modric was the best player of the tournament, leading Croatia to a come-from-behind win against England in the semi-finals.

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In Qatar, Modric, at 37, is the oldest player ever to represent Croatia, and has sometimes shown his age against much younger opponents.

Morocco’s game plan was to smooth out their midfielders, not allowing them to dictate the play as they did in Russia. Earned.

Morocco coach Walid Legragi, who took office at the end of August, said, “We played against a team that was runner-up in the last World Cup. “I’m very proud of the boys.

Croatia and Canada will meet at the Khalifa International Stadium on Sunday. Canada open with Belgium, and a good result against Croatia will give them a good chance of advancing to the next round in their final group match against Morocco on December 1st.

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“With two games left, Canada and Belgium, it’s fair to say that everything in our group is still open and ready to go,” said Dalic. “Our goal is to advance to the next round, so it’s safe to say that everything in our group is still open and available. Let’s go

another surprise

Japan did to Germany what Saudi Arabia did to Argentina the day before.

Japan scored two goals in the 8th minute of the second half to win the match 2-1.

After Ritsu Doan scored with a rebound in the 75th minute to tie the game at 1-1, Takuma Asano scored the winner, knocking down a long free-kick that was played over the top, giving German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer a sharp angle. threw a shot.

Ilkay Gundogan put Germany ahead 1-0 with a goal from the penalty spot. Germany scored a goal with Kai Havertz waving his hand for offside.

Argentina had three goals offside in the first half in their 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia.

Email: dvandiest@postmedia.com

Twitter: @DerekVanDiest

Postmedia football expert Derek Van Diest covers all kick-offs of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. subscribe today You can access all his coverage.