Croatia were unable to a disciplined Morocco as the 2018 finalists had to settle for a draw in their opening 2022 World Cup Group F match.

Ivan Perisic and Luka Modric both fired over the bar and Nikola Vlasic had a close-range effort saved in the first half for the 12th-ranked side in the world.

Youssef En-Nesyri was unable to get his head on a Hakim Ziyech cross for Morocco, while Achraf Hakimi’s thunderous shot after the break was beaten away by Croatia keeper Domink Livakovic.

Sofiane Boufal also had a penalty claim waved away when his shot appeared to hit the hand of a Croatia defender as he turned his back on it.

But with only two wins to their name in six World Cups, Morocco will be happy to get a point on the board before they face group favourites Belgium on Sunday.

By Mboh