FIFA World Cup: Morocco VS Croatia third goalless game in last four matches

The 2018 World Cup runners-up controlled the action at the Al-Bayt Stadium but could not prevail against an opponent that has only won two World Cup matches in its history.

Nikola Vlasic almost scored the opening goal in first-half stoppage time, while Noussair Mazraoui and Achraf Hakimi netted the winner for Morocco in the second half.

With this result, both teams can still have hopes of reaching the knockout rounds, although there is still a lot to do in a group that includes Belgium and Canada.

Croatia's starting eleven XI included five players featured in the 4-2 defeat to France in the World Cup final in Russia, including influential captain Luka Modric.

Coach Zlatko Dalic was also left from the game in Moscow to watch his side create few clear-cut chances in a tight, uninspiring opening period.

Tottenham's Ivan Perisic shot narrowly wide from a distance, while Chelsea striker Hakim Ziyech fired a well-placed free-kick straight into the wall at the other end.

Croatia saved their best effort of the first half into stoppage time.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was finally tested when he blocked a close-range shot from Vlasic with his thigh before Modric fired the ball across the goal just before the interval whistle.

Walid Regragui had taken over the Atlas Lions three months before the tournament and had yet to concede a single goal for his new side.

After the restart, the team stood firm defensively and improved on the offensive. For example, a header from Bayern Munich full-back Mazraoui, who later had to be carried off the pitch injured, was blocked by Dominik Livakovic.

Paris St. Germain defender Hakimi failed to beat the Croatian keeper Livakovic with a fine long-range shot after being set up by Ziyech's free-kick before the game ended with the third goalless draw in the past 24 hours.

Croatia continued their campaign against Canada on Sunday afternoon, while Morocco faced Belgium on the same day.