Mateo Kovacic has claimed that his Chelsea teammates mocked him and Hakim Ziyech ahead of the World Cup, stating that the two would be the first back to Stamford Bridge from Qatar.
Morocco surpassed all predictions to reach the World Cup semi-finals, while Kovacic’s Croatia remained the underdogs to reach the last four on the opposite side of the bracket.
Both countries were eventually eliminated as a France-Argentina final was set up, although few anticipated them to go as far as they did. Morocco was a clear outsider, while many saw Croatia as a fading force after becoming runners-up in 2018.
The two teams will square off on Saturday in the World Cup third-place play-off, and Kovacic talked highly of Morocco at a news conference before the game: “I am extremely delighted Morocco made it this far. They are a terrific squad.
“I spoke with Ziyech both before and during the World Cup.” “He went on to say that the duo had been the brunt of the joke at Chelsea.
“All of the others joked that Ziyech and myself would return home first… and here we are nearly at the conclusion of the World Cup. We are both really pleased of what our national teams have accomplished.”
By defeating Portugal 1-0 in the last eight, the Atlas Lions became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final. Despite being out of favour at Chelsea, Ziyech shone in the group stages, leading the line valiantly, scoring a goal, and providing an assist.
