Morocco Faces 2018 World Cup Finalists Croatia in Opening Match

Walid Regragui’s protégés are starting the competition this Wednesday with a formidable opponent: Croatia, the 2018 World Cup runner-up. With the return from injury of Ezzalzouli and Aboukhlal and the recovery of Ilias Chaïr and Selim Amallah, the national coach will be able to count on the entire squad. The performance of the Atlas Lions in this match will determine their ability to secure their ticket to the round of 16.

Achraf Hakimi and his teammates visited the Al Bayt Stadium, where the match will take place today, on Tuesday before holding a training session. Morocco beat Georgia 3-0 in their last warm-up match for this World Cup. For its part, Croatia won 1-0 against Saudi Arabia. Wednesday’s match remains a major challenge for the Atlas Lions and Walid Regragui, who are eager to secure the first points to boost their confidence.

Walid Regragui is expected to stick to his classic 4-3-3 formation, barring last-minute changes. The Moroccan midfielders will have to work hard against their renowned Croatian opponents such as Marcelo Brozovic (Inter Milan), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea), Lovro Majer (Rennes)... In defense, the coach could line up Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui, his main assets, or revert to Yahya Attiyat Allah who had occupied the left flank against Georgia. Hakim Ziyech, Sofiane Boufal and Youssef En-Nesyri will most likely form the attacking trio.

Morocco and Croatia have only met once before, in Casablanca in 1996 on the occasion of the Feu Hassan II tournament. The match ended in a draw (2-2).