Croatia vs. Morocco: 2022 World Cup Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions (12/17)
On Saturday, the World Cup third-place playoff pins Croatia against Morocco. Even though Qatar 2022 has been full of shocks, the two underdogs can still end a storied tournament on a high despite losing in their respective semi-final matches.
In what will be their first meeting in any tournament since 1996 and just their second of all time, let’s take a closer look at this bronze medal matchup between two teams who have already over-performed this month in Qatar.
(All odds via DraftKings Sportsbook)
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2022 World Cup Same Game Parlay Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (12/17)
Morocco vs. Croatia (Khalifa International Stadium, Doha; 10 a.m.)
- Leg 1: Morocco (+190)
- Leg 2: Anytime Goalscorer - Youssef En-Nesyri (+225)
- Leg 3: Under 2.5 Goals (-105)
While Croatia aims to repeat their triumph from 1998, the Atlas Lions, the first African team ever to advance to the final four, might celebrate the more concrete accomplishment of finishing third with a victory.
Though the 2018 finalists who were eliminated haven’t quite advanced to the championship match, securing a second third-place position would still be a tremendous accomplishment for a nation with only about four million citizens.
In the semi-final loss to France, Morocco gambled on both captain Romain Saiss and Noussair Mazraoui of Bayern Munich, but it did not pay off as both players were forced to leave the game due to injuries.
Nayef Aguerd, a player for West Ham, was initially scheduled to start on Wednesday but withdrew just before the game began. Manager Walid Regragui insisted that Aguerd was recovering from the flu and not experiencing another setback in fitness.
This weekend, Moroccan defenders like Achraf Dari and Yahya Attiat-Allah might still fill in at the back.
While in Qatar, Croatia has mostly avoided injuries and should have the majority of its roster available for this last game. Teams may experience a mild hangover after the disappointment of not making the final. Croatia undoubtedly possesses the expertise to handle that if any side does.
However, I’m not so sure that Croatia can respond after what has to be another disappointing finish, coming just one game away from a World Cup trophy. I think the value is on a Moroccan side that would still be thrilled with a third-place finish in a tournament few thought they could make noise in.
Look for Youssef En-Nesyri to slot his third goal of the tournament home, as Morocco gets one more done with a clean sheet before heading home.
Parlay Odds: +1200
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