Morocco defend first World Cup point thanks to Bono

Morocco ended their first match at the World Cup in Qatar with a 0-0 draw that says more about Regragui's defensive system than the Moroccan team's goalscoring ability.

Although it was the European side that gained possession through a midfield led by Modric and Kovacic, the Atlas Lions were able to cut off passing lanes and concede just two shots on target to the Croatians in the entire match.

Bono once again emerged as Morocco's saviour in a World Cup that has already seen too many goalless draws. The Sevilla goalkeeper made a fine save from Vlasic and had barely another intervention after that as he enjoyed the tight defence of centre-backs Saiss and Aguerd.

The midfield was left in the hands of Amrabat, the Fiorentina midfielder who held his nerve and did not see yellow until the 78th minute with much of the work done in favour of not conceding goals.

Morocco held their breath after Mazraoui was replaced by Attiat-Allal. The Bayern full-back's physical problems are awaiting a medical because his work on the wing, along with that of Achraf, is essential to Morocco's attack.

Dalic and Regragui's playing systems were a carbon copy. The positions were identical and it was the performance of the midfield that prevented the goals. Brozovic as a defensive pivot did not provoke more runs from Modric or Kovacic which prevented the ball from reaching Perisic.

Morocco have matches against Belgium and Canada ahead of them in a group where the match between the Belgians and Croatians is likely to dictate the future of the North African team.

As for the new players, Regragui made four changes, the most notable being Boufal for Ez Abde, the Barça youth player and Osasuna player had some good runs up Juranovic's flank although they were not dangerous.

En-Nesyri didn't have his day either with such a rocky defence on top of him. He was substituted ten minutes from the end in order to rest him for the next match against Canada on Sunday at 17:00 at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. The last match is against Belgium at 16:00 on 1 December.