Croatia and Morocco will square off on Saturday's third-placed playoff at the Khalifa International Stadium

Croatia

Croatia was denied the opportunity to advance to back-to-back World Cup finals by Argentina and the outstanding Lionel Messi. Messi scored a penalty and Julian Alvarez scored twice as Argentina secured their place in the final.

Due to pain, Marcelo Brozovic withdrew in the 50th minute and is now considered a serious doubt for the third-place playoff.

Dalic has vowed to not risk any player who is not 100 percent healthy, so Lovro Majer and Kristijan Jakic should be ready to step in for Brozovic in the middle if necessary. Twenty-year-old center-back Gvardiol need injections to play despite the pain of a foot injury in the middle of the week.

Morocco

Morocco could have made footballing history by becoming the first side from the continent to advance all the way to the title game, but for a lack of killer instinct in the final third.

Walid Regragui's team undoubtedly gave France a few scares during the semifinal match on Wednesday, but the Atlas Lions' hopes of winning the tournament for Qatar were dashed by Theo Hernandez's spectacular goal and Randal Kolo Muani's goal just seconds after he entered the field.

Aguerd, Mazraoui, and Saiss were all unexpectedly back for Morocco's semi-final, but the injured trio withdrew one at a time — in Aguerd's case, shortly before the game began.

Yahia Attiyat Allah and Selim Amallah are trying to force their way back into the starting lineup, thus a return to a 4-3-3 may be in order. Regragui is unlikely to risk either member of the trio for Saturday's game.

Predictions

Croatia 0-2 Morocco

A trident of injured defenders would not inspire confidence in any team, but Morocco's backline replacements have given impressive performances and are now taking on a Croatian lineup that is not known for its attacking prowess. Despite this, Morocco backed by a buoyant support will start as favorites.