Trollheart

Day 29

And so we come to the match hardly anyone cares about, the one which was to decide which of the two teams was the less of a loser. The always-to-be-avoided, never-coveted third place, which was about as meaningful as finishing just in front of the last horse in the big race. Bronze medal? Who the fuck cares about a bronze medal? But one of these teams was going home with at least a little more dignity than the other, and so, to them, and their countries, and to absolutely nobody else in the civilised world, there was everything to play for.

All right, there was something to play for.

Croatia v Morocco (Result: 2-1; Croatia take third place)

To be fair, this was a bigger deal for Morocco than for their opponent. The first time they, or any African team, had got to the semi-finals, even if they had lost when it was most important not to. Either way, they were going home with their heads held high, and statues would be built to them across Africa maybe. For Croatia, it was a worse comedown than last time, when they at least got beaten in the final. They really couldn’t afford to get beaten in this play-off (read, best loser) match, so they would more than likely go all out.

Would it be exciting? Possibly. Would it be a goalfest? Probably not. Did it matter? Not in the least. But at any rate, it was likely to be Luca Modric’s last appearance on the world stage, so there was that. Maybe it would surprise. Maybe not. Very weird: Moroccan keeper popped the ball across the goalmouth and almost scored against himself! It was however a free from Croatia that allowed them to take the lead in the 6th minute, rewarding all their early pressure.It was Morocco’s turn for a free two minutes later, and they equalised with a great header. Not even ten minutes gone and a goal each. Maybe this would be a goalfest.

Croatia tried a lightning reply in the 9th but the ball went slightly wide, the game turning into an end-to-end affair, Croatia with the best chances, including a sublime strike from Modric in the 23rd, just stopped by the keeper. Morocco almost going ahead then in the 28th but completely missed as the ball flashed across goal. Again in the 32nd, and the Africans believed they had been cheated of a corner, surrounding the ref, but he held his ground, having in fact made the right call. Two minutes later they had a free, but headed away harmlessly by Croatia. A lot of the action now taking place down the Croatian half as Morocco got a corner, again a header just nicked past the post and then as half time beckoned Croatia scored again to take the lead.

They began the second half as they had ended the first, ruthlessly on the attack, almost scoring in the opening minutes, and had two more efforts in the next few, Morocco only even getting the ball in the 61st but losing it almost immediately and Croatia were bearing down on the Moroccan goal again. Another goal for Morocco would of course change everything and inch the match closer to extra time, while a third goal for Croatia would surely kill the game off. 65th minute saw Morocco put Croatia under pressure, but unable to do much with the possession. Good attack in the 69th but the Croatian defence stood firm. They had a chance to put it to bed a minute later but blasted high over the net, then Morocco were on the break again, they with the harder task. They had to score, to send the game into extra time, whereas the Croatians could just sit back and soak up the pressure, being already a goal ahead.

Croatia denied a penalty in the 72nd then Morocco almost did it, a tremendous save keeping them out, then a free kick went begging for Morocco and we headed into the 80th minute, time running out for valiant Morocco now. Croatia came close again in the dying minutes but just right of the post. One last try for Morocco as they got a free kick with thirty seconds to go, but cut out and then blasted high over the bar. Penalty check for Morocco led to nothing, and Croatia only had to hold on now as the seconds of extra time ticked away. Morocco weren’t going to give up, and they really gave it their all, but in the end, though it was close, it was Croatia’s day and they take the bronze.

A better than expected performance from both teams, and a highly entertaining and enjoyable match, with each team going for it right to the end. Congratulations to both of them; you did your countries - and in the case of Morocco, also your continent - proud.

Tomorrow we have the final. See you then.

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