Croatia vs. Morocco: Early World Cup Odds, Predictions And Head-to-Head Record

2o18 World Cup finalists Croatia prepare for a blockbuster 2022 Qatar opener against the dangerous Morroco in Group F – who have successfully qualified for the last two World Cups. 

The Blazers and Atlas Lions have been drawn together in a precarious group – formed with much-heralded Belgium and qualification minnows Canada. 

Although the two European giants are backed to qualify, we don’t expect African nation Morroco and long-shot competitors Canada to make it easy and an opening draw at +235 is our first World Cup 2022 betting prediction.

Luka Modric
This most likely be Luka Modric’s last World Cup at the ripe age of 37

Croatia burst onto the scene 4 years ago at the Russia World Cup, as they strung together a venerable run – making it all the way to the final before losing to France.

They sent a clear message after outfoxing Argentina in the second group game with a more than convincing 3-0 win and proved they meant business by outlasting Denmark, Russia (both won on penalties) and England (extra time) in the knockout stages.

Croatia’s catalyst, the now 37-year-old Luka Modric, continues to be instrumental for the nation – but Father Time is at the veteran’s heels and the Real Madrid player will be without a host of former teammates, who have been lost to retirement.

Croatia’s main man Modric and his plucky band of international men have continued to look good this year and have topped the Nations League pool featuring France and Denmark, finishing with 4 straight wins.

Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic and Tottenham’s new boy Ivan Perisic are more than capable of building up mouth-watering set plays – while Hoffenheim’s Andrej Kramaric will be the leading the line for the Croats.

Our Prediction
MOROCCO TO BE LEADING AT HALF TIME +1500

Meanwhile, Morroco had an unfortunate 2018 World Cup. They lost to an injury-time own goal from Aziz Bouhaddouz, superstar Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal when they went up against Portugal and the Atlas Lions were practically celebrating a win against Spain before a goal at the death from Iago Aspas.

Morroco’s Russia journey was ultimately a thrilling affair but the Atlas Lions walked away with a sour taste in their mouths – expecting more out of a hard-fought campaign. 

They made light work of the first stage of qualifying, scoring a whopping 20 goals and conceding just 1 in 6 wins from 6, and while four of the five third-round games in Africa were tight affairs, Morocco then thumped DR Congo 5-2 over two legs.

The goal-fest win was a perfect way to bounce back from the disappointment of their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final exit at the hands of Egypt at the start of this year.

Morocco’s friendlies brought even more encouragement, via a 2-0 triumph over Chile and a goalless stalemate with Paraguay. 

PSG wing-back Achraf Hakimi, former Wolves defender Romain Saiss, proven playmaker Adel Taarabt and the dynamic duo forwards  Youssef En-Nesyri and Sofiane Boufal both know how to find the back of the net. 

The Atlas Lions are sure to make it difficult for the World Cup finalists and we can see Morocco putting one past Zlatko Dalic’s men. Croatia to win and both teams to score is priced at +375. 

Croatia vs. Morocco Match Information

Date: Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Time: 5:00 AM

Location:Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

Croatia vs. Morocco Time By State 

ET: 5:00 AM

CT: 4:00 AM

MT: 3:00 AM

PT: 2:00 AM

Croatia vs. Morocco Head-To-Head

The two nations have only played each other once before, in 1996 in the Hassan II Trophy – where the two nations shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

Croatia vs. Morocco Predictions

BETUS in the US has made their predictions for this match. Croatia will be hellbent on opening their account here in Qatar with a win and Morocco will be their first victim. Croatia comes into the contest at -125 to win while underdogs Morroco arrive at +395 to beat the Croats.

Croatia edges it for us and is priced at -175 to advance out of Group F – or if you fancy them to win the group, you can get +250. If you’re in a regulated state that legalizes sports betting, BETUS offers a whopping 125% sign-up bonus here if you fancy ramping up the excitement.

Our Prediction
CROATIA TO WIN 2-1 +900