World Cup: Croatia held to goalless draw by Morocco - reaction

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2. Morocco hold 2018 finalists Croatia - third goalless draw of tournament so far
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Stephen Warnock

Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

You can see the intensity that both teams are closing each other down. We've seen great starts within the World Cup so far.

This looks like a great start from both teams.

First real danger moment of the game as Andrej Kramaric is onto a ball into the box but an alert Romain Saiss gets across to smash behind for a corner.

Morocco initially make a bit of a mess of the clearance from the delivery, but get the job done eventually.

Another huge cheer from the Morocco fans, this time as Ivan Perisic's pass goes out of play for a throw in.

All Croatia at the moment as Luka Modric plays a decent ball down the line for Nikola Vlasic, whose cross is deflected into the hands of the Morocco goalkeeper.

The Morocco fans are making themselves heard as jeers ring out while Croatia pass the ball around the back before letting out a huge cheer as a forward pass down the wing goes behind for a goal kick.

AFP

KICK-OFF

We have the 10 second countdown before Morocco get the first of four games today under way.

This is the first encounter between Morocco and Croatia at a World Cup. Their only previous meeting was in the Hassan II Trophy in December 1996, played in Casablanca.

The game ended 2-2, producing three red cards. Croatia won 7-6 on penalties.

Will take a similar level of excitement this morning.

There are empty seats as the players come out but the fans who are in the stadium are making plenty of noise.

Time for the national anthems.

Stephen Warnock

Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

You can't put out a team that doesn't play to your main players strength. You make sure he is comfortable in the team.

If they played three at the back Modric would have to fill in in the full-back positions nad he doesn't want to do that to preserve energy and use it in the best way going forwards.

'Gvardiol is a magnificent talent'

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More from Aleksandar Holiga, editor of Telesport, on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Josko Gvardiol is a magnificent talent, he has everything. I think he can play centre back and right back. He can do everything with the ball, he's very quick and he is very technically gifted. I think he'll have a great career if he doesn't get injured. If major teams in the Premier League are looking for a modern defender, then he is that. It is only a matter of time."

'Like a holiday'

John Bennett

BBC World Service Sport at the Al Bayt Stadium

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Feels like there will be some empty seats for this one. We’re 35 km north of Doha and there’s no metro stop nearby which probably put off the locals or neutrals. Some of the staff here told me it feels like a holiday compared to the opening match on Sunday.

I still think the atmosphere will be good though because Morocco fans, along with the Saudis and the Tunisians have been bringing the most noise to Doha since I got here a week ago. Talking to them outside, they’ve been inspired by what Saudi Arabia did to Argentina and Tunisia’s excellent performance against Denmark. Morocco have real belief and fantastic support.”

Stephen Warnock

Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

Croatia's midfield is experienced and they have the capability in terms of running power and being comfortable on the ball. They possess everything. It will be difficult for other teams to come up against them.

Morocco will have to work hard and get in the faces of the Croatia midfield. The problem is, they can't concentrate on one because all three are quality.

'Croatia are still very much based around Modric'

More from Aleksandar Holiga, editor of Telesport, on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Croatia is still very much Luka Modric's team. The team is still very much based around him. He even has a say in picking the team I would say. They were considering playing three at the back but Modric doesn't feel comfortable playing in that formation so they didn't. He is the leader and has been for many years."

Croatia beaten in thrilling final

World Cup 2018: France 4-2 Croatia highlights

In case you need a reminder, here is how the 2018 final between France and Croatia unfolded.

'Lovren starting is a worry'

Aleksandar Holiga, editor of Telesport, on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Croatia fans are very optimistic going into the tournament, but how do you scale back on expectations after reaching the World Cup final?

"It has been a half transition for Croatia. The kept the midfield core which is really experienced, but the rest of the team is basically new. They are not all young but it is a changed team compared to the last World Cup.

"The midfield is a strength and I also thought their redesigned defence will be a strength. It is much different to what it used to be - their new centre backs are much more mobile, but now Dejan Lovren is starting and that is bit of a worry."

Why is Lovren starting a worry: "Well, for one thing, it's Lovren. You'll remember him at Liverpool. He has seemed very frustrated and worried recently. He has a friend, who is a journalist, who criticised him and said he thought he should retire - that never happened. He gets things in his head. I don't think him being in that psychological mind is good for Croatia."

'This is a new team'

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Luka Modric says he and his team-mates cannot focus on past performances.

"Many players at the Russia World Cup are not here, new players have come, quality young players with fresh energy," he said. "This is a new tournament and we have to look at it that way.

"We're expected to play our hearts out, give our best and leave the last atom of strength on the pitch.

"If this means we get good results, then great - if not, we have to keep our heads high knowing we gave our best."

Morocco hoping for 1986 repeat

Morocco are making their sixth appearance at a World Cup and second in succession but they will be hoping to fare better than they did in Russia four years ago when they failed to progress from the group stage.

The African team will be hoping to replicate their 1986 performance when they reached the last 16.

Morocco coach Walid Reragui said “This will be the first time the tournament has been hosted in the Arab world, so it’s important Morocco are in Qatar.

"We’ll be trying to make all Moroccans, Qataris and Arabs proud with our performances.”

'Our players will need the best of Ziyech'

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Walid Regragui replaced Vahid Halilhodzic as Morocco head coach just three months ago and one of his first tasks was to recall Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech to the national side.

"Our players will need the best of Hakim Ziyech," Regragui said. "When Hakim has this confidence, he is one of the top players in the world.

"We need him with his quality and he will give everything.

"It's going to be a very difficult match, we will adapt and play our hearts out. We will show great motivation and respect for the opponents.

"Of course, Croatia are favourites in this game - they played in the final of the last World Cup and have the Golden Ball player in Luka Modric.

"What's important is we play Morocco's football with a positive attitude, give everything and afterwards we have no regrets."

'A tricky one to call'

Chris Sutton

Former England striker

Morocco were the hipster team at the 2018 World Cup and were unlucky to go out at the group stage. They still play open and expansive football so they should be just as entertaining this time around.

This is a tricky one to call because they might just get something out of Croatia, who have got some younger players to go with the experience of the survivors from the side that reached the final in 2018. I am not sure yet what to expect from them.

This is a group where nothing would really surprise me, although on paper you would think at least one of the two European teams goes through.

Prediction:1-1

Chris Sutton's predictions for the opening round of World Cup games

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