World Cup

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World Cup | Group Stage

Nov 23, 2022 at 10am UK

Morocco
0 - 0
Croatia

Amrabat (78')

Zlatko Dalic: 'Croatia lacked courage in Morocco draw at World Cup'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 23 November 2022

Coach Zlatko Dalic says that his Croatia side "lacked courage" as they were held to a goalless draw by Morocco in their World Cup opener on Wednesday.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic says that his side were not adventurous enough during their goalless draw with Morocco on Wednesday.

Having reached the final of the World Cup four years ago, the Checkered Ones remain dark horses to progress through to the latter stages of the competition in Qatar.

However, Croatia were far from their best in their Group F opener with Morocco, being held to a share of the spoils by their African opponents.

Although both teams had their moments at the Al Bayt Stadium, there were few clear-cut chances as each side missed the opportunity to take control of the group ahead of Belgium playing Canada later in the day.

Speaking after the contest in Al Rayyan, Dalic acknowledged that his team did not do enough to win the game, claiming that they "lacked courage".

Sofyan Amrabat makes a challenge for Morocco against Croatia in their World Cup game on November 23, 2022. © Reuters

As quoted by Croatiaweek, Dalic said: "It was a tough game which we expected it would be. They were compact and organised which we knew. We were scared to make mistakes and lacked depth.

"Today we opted for more experienced players in defence. Unfortunately, Nikola (Vlasic) was injured in the first half. I can only complain that there was a lack of determination and verticality.

"We lacked courage. This was different than four and a half years ago. We have to get four or five points to advance out of the group, we won't complain and we move forward now."

On a more positive note, Croatia extended their unbeaten run against African teams at the World Cup, making it three games without defeat and keeping clean sheets in each encounter in the process.

However, a five-match winning streak in all competitions came to an end, and they are now under pressure to get back on track against Canada on Sunday.