Despite defeat, Morocco also leave with heads aloft after becoming the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final.

Mislav Orsic's late first-half strike was enough to settle the contest after two early goals inside the first nine minutes set the tone for a pulsating encounter, Achraf Dari cancelling out Josko Gvardiol's opener for Croatia.

A bronze medal may have served as nothing more than consolation after both sides endured disappointment in the semi-finals, but Croatia and Morocco looked eager to make amends after losing to Argentina and France respectively.

For Croatia, it was well-deserved after dominating the early stages of the game and being clinical with opportunities while Morocco were left to rue what might have been after missing several chances.

"This is bronze with a golden glow. We won a tough game," said Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic, who also led the nation of four million people to runners-up in Russia four years ago.

"This is a medal for the Croatian people... It's really great that we won two medals in two tournaments, big congratulations to my players."

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