Croatia looking to extend World Cup streak against Morocco

The European nation are competing in their first match at a World Cup since they lost the final to France four years ago.

Zlatko Dalic's have endured a mixed run of results since that near miss in Russia, but four successive wins in the UEFA Nations League has lifted the group ahead of their attempt to go one better in Qatar.

On paper, Croatia are involved in one of the most competitive groups with Group F favourites Belgium not competing at their best and Morocco and Canada boasting talented squads that are capable of causing an upset.

However, they will take confidence into their fixture at the Al Bayt Stadium as they look to extend a World Cup streak to three matches.

Croatia have played African opposition on two occasions, prevailing both times without conceding a goal.

In 2014, Croatia made light work of Cameroon, winning by a 4-0 scoreline with Ivica Olic and Ivan Perisic getting on the scoresheet before a Mario Mandzukic double.

Four years later in their first game of the tournament, the Checkered Ones recorded a 2-0 triumph over Nigeria, benefitting from a Peter Etebo own goal before Luka Modric netted from the penalty spot.

In sharp contrast, Morocco have only won two of their 16 matches at a World Cup Finals, beating Portugal and Scotland in 1986 and 1998 respectively.