Croatia’s forward Andrej Kramaric during a press conference yesterday. AFP
Having their World Cup title dreams shattered, Croatia and Morocco will square off in search of a consolation prize at Qatar 2022 tomorrow, and Hoffenheim forward Andrej Kramaric expects his team to unleash everything they’ve got against the wounded Atlas Lions.
Croatia already have a third place podium finish from France in 1998 and a runners-up medal from Russia four years ago, while Morocco by entering the semi-finals, achieved the greatest success not only in their country’s history, but also in the history of African and Arab football.
Both teams will look to end their campaign in Qatar on a high note with Kramaric saying the battle won’t be a ‘friendly encounter.’
“They’ll throw themselves headlong. Because they can become heroes, they can be immortalised in their country. In the end, this match is worth life. It will not be a friendly,” Kramaric said yesterday.
“They have talented players who will give their lives to win. It will be a match very similar to the first. Both in struggle and patience. There will be no margin for error. They showed against France that they can handle the biggest teams. I think it will be a very similar game. It will be a matter of time, individual quality can decide,” the 31-year-old said.
Croatia’s Luka Modric, Ante Budimir, Ivo Grbic, Dejan Lovren and Andrej Kramaric look dejected after the semi-final match against Argentina. REUTERS
The two teams faced each other earlier in the Group stage, with the match ending up in a goalless stalemate.
“We must be aware that it is a historic match. We have to take advantage of this opportunity. This will be the match of their lives, they will throw themselves at each other like never before. If they win a medal, they will become heroes in their country. We will play the same way, we have a lot of young players who want to tell their children that they are going to win a medal,” Kramaric said during a press conference yesterday.
Morocco emerged at the top of Group F with seven points following their impressive wins over Belgium and Canada before staging another giant-killing show against Spain to reach the quarter-finals where they disappointed title-chasing Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.
On the other hand, Croatia finished the group stage at the second spot. They gained five points after drawing with Belgium and beating Canada before losing to Morocco. In following encounters, Croatians showed their sharpshooting accuracy as they secured wins over Japan and title-favourites Brazil.
Croatia’s hopes of making back-to-back World Cup finals were shattered following their loss to Argentina in the semi-final on Tuesday, while thousands of Morocco fans, along with the players - were left in tears when holders France clinched a dominant win in the second semi-final on Thursday.
Croatia are back in a third place play-off for the first time since France 1998, and Kramaric remembers their 2-1 win over the Netherlands.
“I remember those days. The entire tournament is not forgotten. It brought joy to the entire nation. I remember how I was jumping with happiness on the street, it was an indescribable happiness. This is a historic match, we can make the new generation happy,” Kramaric said.
“I feel great, I’m not tired. I am full of energy and motivation. I’m sorry that the tournament is ending and that there are no more matches. It is not the end of the season, we are not physically and mentally tired. I’m ready,” Kramaric said.
His teammate Josko Gvardiol also confirmed that he will be ready to face the Moroccan side. A day before, coach Zlatko Dalic had revealed that the Leipzig defender needed to take an injection to relieve muscle pain and be able to face Argentina in the semi-final.
“I am very happy, despite the defeat. Tomorrow, at least, I will be able to tell the children that I took care of Messi for 90 minutes. Hope we can win next time. Messi is the best player of all time,” Gvardiol who is regarded as one of the defensive highlights of this World Cup, said.
