Another 90 minutes we’re not getting back! Hakimi impresses but Morocco and Croatia disappoint in goalless World Cup opener

Croatia and Morocco cancelled each other out in their first World Cup match in Group F, with neither side really threatening across 90 minutes. 

​Few chances in 0-0 drawBounou denied Kramaric, Hakimi came closeMazraoui taken off injured in second half

TELL ME MORE: Croatia’s threat in the first half was limited to long-range efforts from Ivan Perisic and Luka Modric, while Youssef En-Nesyri fluffed a header from close range for Morocco. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was needed to deny Andrej Kramaric in first-half stoppage time, but there was little else to excite in after the break, with Morocco suffering a blow as Noussair Mazraoui came off injured on the hour mark. A well struck Hakimi free-kick came closest for Morocco, as the two sides played out a largely forgettable affair at the Al Bayt Stadium.

THE MVP: Achraf Hakimi. In a game that promised such offensive talent but largely failed to deliver, the defenders dominated the affair in Al Khor. Hakimi provided several crucial interceptions while he was a constant threat with his pace going forward, and could have scored an early contender for goal of the tournament had his long-range free-kick been either side of Dominik Livakovic in the Croatia goal.

THE BIG LOSER: Andrej Kramaric. While Croatia’s centre-forward came close late in the first half, the 31-year-old found himself largely isolated up top with Morocco’s midfield intercepting any potential threat before it reached its target. Having failed to make much of an impact, the Hoffenheim striker was replaced by Marko Livaja on 71 minutes.

MATCH IN THREE PHOTOS:

AS IT STANDS:

TeamPWDLGDPTSCroatia101001Morocco101001Belgium000000Canada000000

WHAT NEXT? After Morocco and Croatia cancelled each other out in their Group F opener, both sides will be looking for their first wins on matchday two, which come next Monday against Belgium and Canada, respectively.

MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE):

 

 

Related Post
शेयर
द्वारा प्रकाशित
jxSx73amHi_gsw_tkr4qZXPAKZQh5eaKadEz.2Rq_wgSE5JFhTT4wZJh.d9g

हाल के पोस्ट

Unnati Hooda’s Exit Ends India’s Campaign at French Open Super 750

India’s run at the French Open Super 750 came to an early close on Thursday… अधिक पढ़ें

October 24, 2025

India Storm Into Women’s World Cup Semifinals With Dominant Win Over New Zealand

India booked its place in the semifinals of the Women’s ODI World Cup with a… अधिक पढ़ें

October 24, 2025

FC Goa’s Champions League Hopes Hang by a Thread After Narrow 2-1 Defeat to Al Nassr

FC Goa’s search for their first points in the AFC Champions League Two continued as… अधिक पढ़ें

October 24, 2025

Harbhajan Singh criticizes Team India’s selection after loss in AUS vs IND 2025 2nd ODI

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh slammed Team India’s selection after their two-wicket loss against Australia… अधिक पढ़ें

October 24, 2025

Sunil Gavaskar lauds Rohit Sharma for putting aggressive approach on backburner in 2nd ODI against Australia

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar showered praise on Rohit Sharma for making the most of… अधिक पढ़ें

October 24, 2025

Parthiv Patel lauds Rohit Sharma for respecting the conditions in 2nd ODI against Australia

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Parthiv Patel showered praise on Rohit Sharma for respecting the conditions… अधिक पढ़ें

October 24, 2025