The "Atlas Lions" pushed desperately for an equalizer in the closing stages. Their best chance came in the 96th minute when Youssef En-Nesyri met a cross with a powerful header, but it landed on the roof of the net.
The following events defined the final 45 minutes of the match as documented by ITV Sport and other major outlets: MAR vs CRO - Second-Half - ITV.mp4.mp4
In the 74th minute, Josko Gvardiol appeared to be tripped in the box by Sofyan Amrabat. Despite Croatian appeals, the referee and VAR did not award a penalty, keeping the score at 2-1. The "Atlas Lions" pushed desperately for an equalizer
Mateo Kovacic had a golden opportunity to seal the game in the 87th minute but dragged his shot wide of the far post. Final Standings Achievement 3rd Place Croatia Secured their second World Cup bronze medal (also 1998). 4th Place Morocco Despite Croatian appeals, the referee and VAR did