Croatia clinched their third top-three finish at the World Cup with a play-off victory over history-makers Morocco.
Recall that Zlatko Dalic’s side were runners-up to France four years ago and confirmed their status as one of the elite footballing nations with another third-place finish to go alongside that secured in their competition debut in 1998, when they defeated the Netherlands.
Josko Gvardiol gave Croatia the lead on seven minutes but Achraf Dari levelled just two minutes later by nodding home from close range.
Mislav Orsic curled in a second for Croatia via the post three minutes before half-time.
Morocco’s search for a second half equaliser was fruitless as the Europeans left Qatar with a medal.
Morocco can hold their heads high having emerged the first African side to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.
