Morocco vs Croatia Prediction: The Atlas Lions might pull a surprise stunt in their opening World Cup game

Following their runner-up finish in 2018, The Checkered Ones will lock horns with Morocco at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday. The Atlas Lions are one of the most successful African teams in this tournament; they have appeared here six times, with Cameroon at the top of the chart.

MOROCCO

FIFA Ranking: 22nd

Last five games: WWWDW

Walid Regragui's men waited twenty years before they could secure a spot in the 2018 World Cup. Unfortunately, they were paired with European heavyweights Portugal and Spain with Iran. Their only highlight of the tournament was a (2-2) stalemate against Spain. They didn’t make the cut as they finished rock bottom in Group B.

Morocco had a smooth sail heading into Qatar when they beat DR Congo on (5-2) aggregate in the qualifying round. The Atlas Lions last defeat was a shambolic (3-0) loss to USA in a friendly match; ever since then, they have won five and drawn once.

Morocco Starting 11 (4-3-3): Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui; Amallah, Amrabat, Ounahi; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal.

CROATIA

FIFA Ranking: 12th

Last five games: WWWWW

Zlatko Dalic's side had a successful campaign in Russia in 2018; they pulled one of the most incredible stunts in that edition but bowed to a defeat in the final.

Croatia head into this tournament after claiming the top spot in the qualifying group games. They won seven, drew twice and lost once with a point above Russia. The Blazers are undefeated in their last five games, including a victory over France in the UEFA National League.

Croatia have no injury worries entering into this encounter and are set to feature the same team that won against Saudi Arabia a few days ago.

Croatia Starting 11 (4-3-3): Livakovic; Juranovic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Vlasic, Kramaric, Perisic.

Expert Betting Tips

It’s a tough game to predict, as both sides have been outstanding in their recent matches. Morocco have some injury doubts with Amine Hary out and Barcelona Ez Abde still nursing injuries. Morocco always make use of the flanks, with Halima and Ziyech being their most dangerous players. On the other hand, Croatia are a bunch of old and experienced players. It’s going to be an open game, and we expect both sides to get a goal each for 2.05.

Morocco might be the underdog here but cannot be overly underrated: bet on Morocco to win and over 1.5 goals for 2.20.

A halftime draw might surface here for 2.01

Good luck!