Croatia held to goalless draw by Morocco

MANAN VATSYAYANA/ AFP

Croatia, runners-up at the last World Cup, were held to a 0-0 draw by Morocco on Wednesday in their opening Group F match at the Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar.

It's the third goalless draw in nine games at the tournament so far.

The Croats, beaten by France in the 2018 final in Moscow, had the better of the chances, with Dejan Lovren having an effort cleared off the line and Nikola Vlasic's close shot saved by the legs of Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesryi might have given the North Africans an early lead but was unable to get a decent touch onto Hakim Ziyech's dangerous cross.

In the second half, Achraf Hakimi's powerful free kick was parried by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

Belgium and Canada play at 11:00 pm UAE time in Wednesday's other Group F match at Al Rayyan.

Meanwhile, Croatia will now turn their attentions to their game against Canada on Sunday, when Morocco will face Belgium.

More from Sports

  • Villa put on a thriller with late goals to draw 3-3 with Liverpool

    Substitute Jhon Duran scored two late goals as Aston Villa fought back to salvage a 3-3 home draw with Liverpool on Monday and take a significant step towards a place in the Champions League next season.

  • Arsenal go top as title race goes down to final day

    Arsenal's Leandro Trossard capitalised on dreadful defending to secure a 1-0 win against Manchester United that saw the Gunners climb back to the top of the Premier League, ensuring the title race will be decided on the final day.

  • Pogacar retains overall Giro D'Italia lead

    UAE Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogacar has retained his overall lead after Dutchman Olav Kooij won stage nine of the Giro d'Italia on Sunday, pipping Jonathan Milan by half a wheel right at the finish line in a breathless sprint at the end of a 214-km ride from Avezzano to Naples.

  • McIlroy wins fourth Wells Fargo Championship title

    Rory McIIroy claimed his fourth Wells Fargo Championship after a superb back nine saw him finish -17 par having trailed by two shots after seven holes.

  • Djokovic suffers shock Italian Open defeat

    Alejandro Tabilo claimed the biggest win of his career beating world number one Novak Djokovic 6-2 6-3 in the third round of the Italian Open, two days after the Serbian was hit on the head by a water bottle.