Qatar 2022: Why is Dejan Lovren not starting for Croatia vs Morocco?

Miguel Angel Fernandez Castro — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 12:10:41 -0400

Dejan Lovren had been a very important player for Croatia's run into the semifinals of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. However, the defender won't be starting the match for the third place against Morocco and here are the important reasons why.

Croatia are nowa regular challenger in theWorld Cupto traditional contenders such as Brazil,Italy, Germany, France orArgentina. After their best participation ever, by reaching the final in 2018, Zlatko Dalic’s team found themselves againatQatarwith a real shot at the title.

In 1998, Croatiahad their breakthrough performance getting a third-place withDavor Sukeras their star and the top-scorer of the tournament with six goals. Now, in Qatar 2022, they have a chance to reach the podium and claim a medal again with a victory against Morocco.

CroatiasurvivedGroup Fin theQatar 2022 World Cupagainst Belgium, Canada and Morocco. Then, as runner-up, they had to faceJapanand eliminated the Asian team in theRound of 16aftera thrilling penalty shootout. In the quarterfinals they shocked Brazil, but fell in the semifinals with Argentina. In that run, Dejan Lovren was a key piece for Zlatko Dalic, but he won’t start in the match for the third place.

Why is Dejan Lovrennot starting against Morocco

Dejan Lovren is the thridplayer with the most games for Croatia in World Cup history just behind Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic.However, in a tactical decision by coach Zlatko Dalic, the defender goes to the bench for the third place match against Morocco. Josip Sutalo gets the call alongside Josko Gvardiol.

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Qatar 2022: Why is Dejan Lovren not starting for Croatia vs Morocco?

Why is Dejan Lovrennot starting against Morocco