THREE TAKEAWAYS FROM CROATIA’S SCORELESS DRAW WITH MOROCCO

The scoreless draws continued in the World Cup group stage on Wednesday, with Croatia and Morocco failing to find the back of the nets at Al Bayt Stadium. Former United States men’s national team players Jimmy Conrad and Sacha Kljestan give their takeaways from “World Cup Now.”

1. Kljestan: The key players didn’t get it done

Hayim Ziyech coming off of that right side, didn’t have a great game, had a few turnovers early in the match, and wasn’t overly dangerous creating chances or getting shots off himself. Luka Modrić was fine. He played in the midfield but wasn’t his usual buzzing-around self, making plays on both sides. I saw him drop in deep a little bit and try to get in on the ball more often. I’d like to see him more box-to-box, closer to the goal, and setting up plays in the final third.

2. Conrad: Josko Gvardiol is worth the hype

I thought he was excellent. He’s 20 years old and just so cool and calm. I know why Chelsea wanted to buy him for $90 million this past summer. I wasn’t doing that at 20. I was playing many video games and hanging out with my friends, not being courted by one of the biggest clubs in England. I’m very curious about his future, but I think he showed maturity beyond his years, and I think he’s going to be one of the breakout stars of this tournament, so keep your eye on him.

3. Conrad: The goalkeeping was incredible

I thought both sides were excellent. There is something to be said about having a nice, steady presence behind you in that field area, and I don’t think you can win anything of consequence unless you have a hot goalkeeper. I felt that Yassine Bounou for Morocco and Dominik Livaković were both excellent. All of the goalkeeper unions out there that don’t think they get the love and respect they deserve, I’ll give it to you right now.