KEIR RADNEDGE in DOHA —- Croatia’s record is remarkable. They have been a member of the World Cup family for only just over two decades. In that time they have missed out only once on the finals, finished third in 1998, runners-up in 2018 and now third again.

Luka Modric has played a central role in that consistency for 16 years and if he was not to go out as a World Cup winner then he went out worthily after a 2-1 victory over Morocco in front of 44,137 in the Khalifa International Stadium.

All the goals came in the first half with fine strikes from Josko Gvardiol and Mislav Orsic either side of a Moroccan consolation for Achraf Dari.

Morocco, unfortunately, proved unable to accept defeat in a manner worth of their exciting campaign. Half a dozen players mobbed the Qatari referee at the final whistle so presumably the eventual bouquet they collect from FIFA will be financial and cautionary.

That was a pity also because the match was an entertaining one between two teams playing with a positive fluency which was a delight to watch. They probably attacked more than in all the rest of their matches put together.

Croatia went ahead with an exquisitely-worked free kick. Ivan Perisic caught out Morocco with a twisting back-header and Gvardiol dived full length to head home.

Morocco levelled immediately, also after a free kick. Captain Hakim Ziyech’s floater from out on the right wing was deflected goalwards by Lovro Majer for Dari to head his first international goal.

Now it was Croatia’s turn to react. Andrej Kramaric had a header saved by keeper Yassine Bono and then inadvertently blocked a goal-bound shot from Orsic. At the other end an Achraf Hakimi cross flew just behind the in-rushing Youssef En-neysri.

Croatia regained the lead in the 42^nd minute. They appeared to have lost the initiative on a counter-attack but Morocco failed to clear their lines and Kramaric freed Orsic for a curling side-footer which clipped the far post before dropping into goal.

Wasted chances

The second half lacked similar quality albeit disrupted by substitutions. Orsic had a shot deflected for a corner, substitute Nikola Vlasic shot over the bar, Gvardiol was denied a blatant penalty after being tripped by Amrabat and Mateo Kovaic dragged a shot wide across the face of goal.

Morocco, losing their discipline, also lost their best chances through a lack of focus. En-Neysri had a shot at point-blank range well saved by Dominik Livakovic and Amallah headed on to the roof of the net in stoppage time.

After all the final whistle fuss had died down there was a podium ceremony . . . so Modric even walked away with a medal.

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