Morocco 0-0 Croatia: Super Eagles’ blushes spared as Lions halt the Blazers’ dominance over African teams

The Croatians always found the going easy against CAF representatives at the World Cup until they met the dogged North Africans

Morocco’s Atlas Lions held European bigwigs Croatia to a goalless draw inside the Al Bayt Stadium in the first match of Group F at the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Boasting world-renowned stars like Real Madrid’s Luka Modric, Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic, and Inter Milan’s Marcelo Brozovic, Croatia were the favourites to pick a win against Morocco on Wednesday afternoon.

The Blazers also held a perfect winning run against African teams, having won their two FIFA World Cup games against African opposition with an aggregate of 6-0.

Croatia crushed Cameroon 4-0 at the 2014 World Cup before running out 2-0 winners over Nigeria in Russia 2018.

In a Group D clash in Kaliningrad, an Oghenekaro Etebo own goal and a second-half Luka Modric penalty were enough for Croatia to outclass the Mikel Obi-skippered Super Eagles.

Croatia reached the tournament’s final, while Nigeria crashed out at the group stage following a late defeat to Argentina.

But Morocco refused to follow the script as coach Walid Regragui-led Atlas Lions fought the Europeans to a standstill in Qatar for a share of the spoils.