Croatia vs Morocco live stream: How to watch World Cup third-place play-off

Croatia and Morocco will meet to determine third place in the World Cup in Qatar.

Croatia, runners-up to France in 2018, were unable to replicate that impressive run when they lost to Argentina in the semifinal on Tuesday. Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot before Julián Álvarez’s brace sealed the Argentines’ 3-0 victory.

Then on Wednesday, Morocco’s fairy tale story ran out of magic when they fell short against France. The defending champions beat the first African semi-finalists 2-0 at a World Cup, thanks to goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani.

But one of Croatia and Morocco will be able to round off their campaign in Qatar with a win, as they meet here in a play-off for third place, three weeks after drawing 0-0 in the group stage.

Here is everything you need to know.

When is?

The third place playoff will begin at 15:00 GMT (18:00 local time) on Saturday, December 17.

The match will take place at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan.

How can I see it?

Croatia vs Morocco will be broadcast live on BBC One in the UK, and streamed live on the broadcaster’s website and iPlayer app.

What’s the team news?

Marcelo Brozovic was sent off through injury during Croatia’s clash with Argentina, and the midfielder is an injury doubt here. The same can be said for central defender Josep Gvardiol, who was not in full health for that game and can rest here to avoid further injury.

For Morocco, three players took a chance in defeat to France despite fitness concerns, although Nayef Aguerd actually withdrew just before kick-off, and defenders Romain Saiss and Noussair Mazraoui failed to complete the game. As such, all three are expected to be lost here.

Predicted Lineups

Croatia XI: Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Sutalo, Sosa; Modric, Jakic, Kovacic; Vlasic, Kramaric, Perisic

Morocco XI: Bounou; Hakimi, El-Jamiq, Dari, Attiyat Allah; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziech, En-Nesyri, Boufal

Odds

Croatia – 8/11

Morocco – 2/1

Draw – 5/12

Via Betfair.

Prediction

As good as Morocco was against France, they appeared to be 30 per cent below their best due to a combination of fatigue and injury. Plus, a near-complete Croatia squad will have had an extra day to recover from their semi-final when this game takes place. Unfortunately for fans of the ultimate underdogs, Morocco might have used all their magic in this tournament. Croatia 1-0 Morocco.