World Cup 2022: Third Place Kick-Off Time & Preview

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is coming to a close, but there's still one more match to look forward to! Guys, even though the big trophy is out of reach for these two teams, the battle for third place is always a great watch. Let's dive into when the third-place match kicks off and what we can expect.

What Time Does the Third-Place Match Kick Off?

The third-place match of the 2022 World Cup is scheduled to kick off on December 17, 2022, at 6:00 PM (Qatar time). For those of you watching from around the world, that translates to:

• 10:00 AM EST (Eastern Standard Time)
• 7:00 AM PST (Pacific Standard Time)
• 3:00 PM CET (Central European Time)

Make sure to mark your calendars and set your alarms, so you don't miss any of the action! This match is a chance for one of these teams to end their World Cup journey on a high note, securing a bronze medal and bragging rights. We all know that even though it's not the final, pride is always on the line.

Why is the third-place play-off important? It's simple: national pride and a chance to go home with a medal! For players, it's an opportunity to showcase their skills one last time on the world's biggest stage and potentially boost their careers. Moreover, finishing third in the World Cup is a significant achievement that the nation will remember and celebrate. Don't underestimate the value of this match; both teams will be hungry for that win, and it often leads to an exciting, open game. Plus, statistically, third-place matches tend to be higher scoring than the finals, making them a treat for the neutral fan.

Who is Playing in the Third-Place Match?

The two teams battling it out for third place in the 2022 World Cup are Croatia and Morocco. Croatia, the runners-up from the 2018 World Cup, had a tough semi-final loss against Argentina. On the other hand, Morocco's dream run was ended by France, but they've captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their incredible performances. Get ready for an intriguing match-up between two teams with different styles and ambitions. Croatia will be looking to prove their consistent quality, while Morocco will aim to cement their place in history as the first African team to reach this stage of the competition.

Croatia, led by the evergreen Luka Modrić, will be eager to finish their tournament on a positive note. After a heartbreaking defeat in the semi-finals, they'll want to demonstrate their resilience and tactical prowess. Expect a disciplined and experienced Croatian side, focused on controlling possession and exploiting any weaknesses in the Moroccan defense. Modrić's leadership in midfield will be crucial, and their attacking players will need to be clinical in front of goal. Croatia's experience in major tournaments could give them an edge, but they'll need to overcome the disappointment of missing out on the final.

Morocco, on the other hand, has been the surprise package of the tournament. Their incredible defensive record and tactical organization have frustrated some of the world's best teams. Despite their semi-final loss, their spirit remains high, and they'll be determined to make history by winning the third-place match. Keep an eye on their star players, such as Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech, who have been instrumental in their success. Morocco's passionate fans will be cheering them on, creating an electric atmosphere in the stadium. Regardless of the result, their journey to the semi-finals has been a remarkable achievement that has inspired a nation and the entire African continent.

What to Expect From the Match

Expect a thrilling contest between Croatia and Morocco! Both teams will be determined to end their World Cup campaign with a win. Croatia's experience and midfield mastery will be tested against Morocco's solid defense and quick counter-attacks. It's likely to be a tactical battle, with both coaches making adjustments to try and gain an advantage. While fatigue might be a factor after a grueling tournament, the motivation to secure a medal should drive the players to give it their all. Don't be surprised if the match goes down to the wire, with extra time and penalties a distinct possibility.

Tactical Showdown: Both teams boast well-organized defenses, but expect them to be more adventurous in this match. With less pressure compared to the semi-finals, they might take more risks in attack, leading to a more open and exciting game. Croatia's midfield, led by Luka Modrić, will try to dictate the tempo, while Morocco will rely on their wingers to create chances. The battle in midfield will be crucial, and the team that wins this area will likely control the match.

Key Players to Watch: For Croatia, Luka Modrić remains the key man. His vision, passing range, and ability to control the game are vital to their success. Keep an eye on their forwards as well, who will need to be clinical in front of goal. As for Morocco, Achraf Hakimi's pace and attacking prowess from right-back will pose a constant threat. Hakim Ziyech's creativity and set-piece delivery could also unlock the Croatian defense. These players have the potential to turn the game on its head and will be instrumental in their team's quest for victory.

Possible Scenarios: If Croatia takes an early lead, they'll likely try to control the game and frustrate Morocco. On the other hand, if Morocco scores first, they'll become even more difficult to break down. A draw after 90 minutes is also a possibility, which would lead to extra time and potentially penalties. Both teams have shown their resilience throughout the tournament, so expect them to fight until the very end, regardless of the scoreline.

How to Watch the Game

You can catch the World Cup third-place match on various channels and streaming services, depending on your location. Be sure to check your local listings for the most accurate information. Most major sports networks will broadcast the game, and many streaming services offer live coverage. So, grab your snacks, invite your friends over, and get ready to enjoy what should be a fantastic match!

Check Local Listings: The first step is to check your local TV listings to see which channels are broadcasting the game. Major sports networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, and BBC typically have the rights to air World Cup matches. You can find the schedule on their websites or through your TV provider's guide.

Streaming Services: If you prefer to stream the game online, several options are available. Many sports networks offer their own streaming services, allowing you to watch the game on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Additionally, streaming platforms like FuboTV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV often include sports channels in their packages. Make sure to check if the service is available in your region and if it offers a free trial, so you can watch the game without any cost.

Official FIFA Website/App: The official FIFA website and app are also great resources for finding information about how to watch the game in your country. They usually provide a list of broadcasters and streaming services that have the rights to air the matches. This can be a helpful way to ensure you're watching the game through a legitimate source.

Final Thoughts

The third-place match is more than just a consolation game. It's a chance for Croatia and Morocco to showcase their talents and end their World Cup journey on a positive note. So, tune in and enjoy what promises to be an exciting and competitive match! Whether you're a fan of either team or just a football enthusiast, this is a game you won't want to miss. Get ready for some drama, some great goals, and maybe even some surprises. Let's see who will take home the bronze medal!

Enjoy the Game!