Croatian referee Ivan Bebek to officiate at World Cup after 44-year absence

Croatian referee Ivan Bebek has received a significant appointment, being designated as an assistant VAR official for a highly anticipated World Cup match between Morocco and Brazil. This assignment is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first Croatian referee to officiate at a World Cup in 44 years.

The last Croatian to hold such a position was Damir Matovinović, who also coincidentally refereed a match involving Brazil in the 1982 World Cup held in Spain. Matovinović, also from Rijeka like Bebek, oversaw Brazil's 4-0 victory over New Zealand in the group stage.

Bebek, a 49-year-old from Rijeka, will work alongside German main VAR referee Bastian Dankert. The head referee for this significant group stage encounter will be Slavko Vinčić of Slovenia. The match is considered one of the most evenly matched and eagerly awaited games of the World Cup group stage.

Morocco was a surprise standout performer in the previous World Cup, reaching the third-place playoff where they were defeated by Croatia. Brazil, the record five-time world champions, are seeking their sixth title, a feat they have been pursuing for 24 years. Their new coach, Carlo Ancelotti, is expected to lead them deep into the tournament, with this match against the top African team being their first major hurdle.