DOHA: The FIFA World Cup’s third-place play-off game between Morocco and Croatia will be played today. The losers final match is at the Khalifa International Stadium from 8.30 PM IST.

Aiming for the second consecutive final, Croatia, led by playmaker Luka Modric, fought to advance this time but conceded defeat to Lionel Messi's Argentina in the semi-finals for three goals. On the other hand, Morocco, who performed really well this time, defeated Belgium, the former world champions, Spain and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, and France ended their dream run in the semi-finals in Qatar. Morocco lost in the semi-finals by two goals.

Morocco and Croatia, who were in Group F this time, started their journey in Qatar against each other. The Group F match between the two sides ended in a goalless draw. Group winners Morocco and runners-up Croatia advanced to the knockout stages.

• Croatia have managed to keep a clean sheet in their last three matches against the African team.
• A European team has won all the last ten losers finals.
• This is Croatia's second losers’ final. In 1998, they won the third position.
• Morocco is the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals.