The 3rd-place Game of the 2022 World Cup has Morocco and Croatia meeting Saturday at Khalifa International Stadium. Kickoff is at 10 a.m. ET (FOX/Telemundo). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Morocco vs. Croatia odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
The dream run for Morocco is nearly over. It was unable to bounce defending World Cup champ France Wednesday, falling 2-0 in the semi-final. However, it has still been a miraculous run for the African nation.
Morocco defeated Portugal and Spain in the knockout stages, while also topping world power Belgium in the group stage. This side has used suffocating defense and timely scoring to make a deep run in Qatar.
These teams actually each met in Group F play to open their World Cup runs, playing to a scoreless draw in that match back on Nov. 23. It was an even battle, too, with both sides accounting for 5 total shots with 1 shot on goal per side. Croatia dominated the possession at 61.0%-to-39.0%.
The “Kockasti”, or Checkered Ones, came up short in their bid for a 2nd straight World Cup Final. Croatia was pounded 3-0 by Argentina in their semi-final game Tuesday.
It has been a magical run for Croatia, too, as it bounced World Cup favorite Brazil in the Quarterfinal, while also stopping Japan on penalties in the Round of 16.
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Morocco vs. Croatia odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:45 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Morocco +205 (bet $100 to win $205) | Croatia +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Draw +255
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Prediction
Croatia 2, Morocco 1
Moneyline (ML)
This is the only rematch of the entire 2022 World Cup, and the first time we saw a scoreless draw between these sides.
I think both teams will be a little looser, taking some chances to push the ball up and down the pitch. Nobody likes to be in the 3rd-place match, coming up just short of a title, but it is usually an entertaining affair.
CROATIA (+135) has a little more offensive firepower, and it should get it done in a fun match.
Over/Under (O/U)
In 2018, Belgium upended England 2-0, and in 2014 we saw Netherlands drop Brazil 3-0. In fact, in 10 of the past 11 third-place matches dating back to 1978 have seen 3 or more total goals.
While we saw a scoreless draw the first time these teams played each other, there is no pressure in this match, and it should be much more wide-open. OVER 2.5 (-115) is the way to go, especially based on the lengthy history of the 3rd-place match.
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