Matchday 1 of the FIFA World Cup between Morocco and Croatia in Group F will take place on November 23 at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. Kick-off is at 13:00 (Moscow time). Morocco vs. Croatia: prediction and betting odds, World Cup 2022 match statistics.
Referee: Fernando Rapallini (Argentina)
Matches – 24 (International matches, 2020–2022);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 125;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.2;
Red cards shown – 14;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 38%.
Predicted lineups for Morocco vs. Croatia
Morocco: Yassine Bounou, Romain Saïss, Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Noussair Mazraoui, Hakim Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat, Sofiane Boufal, Selim Amallah, Azzedine Ounahi, Youssef En-Nesyri.
Croatia: Dominik Livaković, Dejan Lovren, Joško Gvardiol, Borna Sosa, Luka Modrić, Ivan Perišić, Mateo Kovačić, Marcelo Brozović, Nikola Vlašić, Josip Juranović, Andrej Kramarić.
Morocco
The team went unbeaten throughout the World Cup 2022 qualification (7 wins, 1 draw). In the group stage, Morocco secured 6 wins in 6 matches, although their opponents were not the strongest, including Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, and Sudan. In the playoff qualification, the team won against DR Congo in a two-legged tie (1-1, 4-1). Notably, Morocco showcased good scoring ability, netting more than one goal in 7 of the 8 qualifying matches for the World Cup.
At the 2018 World Cup, Morocco did not secure a single victory, drawing with Spain (2-2) and losing to Iran and Portugal with identical scores of 0-1. However, in their last three official matches, the team won, scoring at least 2 goals in each encounter. It is worth noting that the team has defensive issues, having failed to keep a clean sheet in 6 of their last 7 official matches.
Croatia
In the qualifying tournament, Croatia topped their group and directly advanced to the World Cup finals. The team played solidly in defense, conceding only 4 goals in 10 qualifying matches. Croatia remained unbeaten in their last 9 World Cup qualifiers, achieving 7 victories. Notably, six of these wins were achieved with a clean sheet.
At the last World Cup, Croatia achieved their best-ever result by claiming the silver medals. Interestingly, in the knockout stage, the team never won within 90 minutes. Thus, Croatia has a series of 4 matches without a win in regular time at the World Cup (3 draws, 1 loss). Additionally, in their last 5 World Cup games, Croatia has consistently exchanged goals with their opponents.
Morocco vs. Croatia: Match Prediction
Morocco is a versatile team and will pose challenges for Croatia at the start of the World Cup. The coach utilizes the speed and technique of his players in attack, primarily building attacks through the flanks. However, Morocco's defense is relatively weak. In fast counterattacks, Morocco often struggles in the holding area, which Croatian players can exploit.
The World Cup runners-up must take the initiative from the outset. With world-class stars in their lineup, Croatia is considered the favorite by bookmakers. However, no one will rush at the start of the World Cup. Much will depend on Morocco and their willingness to take risks and attack in numbers. I believe such attempts will be made – if not in the first half, then certainly in the second. I predict that Croatia will not lose the upcoming match. Additionally, I expect at least 2 goals.
My prediction: Double chance X2 + Total over 1.5 goals
