The Atlas Lions of Morocco ended their 2022 World Cup campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Croatia, missing out on bronze medal in the process.

The Africans are no doubt the revelations of the tournament, haven beaten Spain, Portugal, Belgium and Canada before losing to France in the semi-final.

The Croatians however showed more class in the losers final by clinching their third top-three finish at the World Cup at the Khalifa International Stadium, Doha on Saturday.

Josko Gvardiol put Croatia ahead on seven minutes with a superb diving header but Achraf Dari levelled just two minutes later by nodding home from close range.

Mislav Orsic then restored Croatia’s lead with sumptuous curler three minutes before half-time.

Morocco came close to equalizing again in the second half, but Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic pulled off great saves to keep the scoreline unchanged.

Despite the defeat, Walid Regragui’s men made history by becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals and their passionate players and supporters have lit up this tournament.