Croatia were third, Morocco millimetres behind in fourth.
The admirably dogged duo played out a suitably gripping affair in Doha on Saturday night, neither one conceding an inch in the supposed dead rubber, no one backing down until they had nothing left to give.
The penultimate match of the World Cup’s 64, the one no team apparently wants, burst into life from the off and never really relented. In the end, Croatia took it 2-1, took the bronze to go with the silver from four years ago, this tiny nation registering another titanic World Cup campaign.
Morocco, the record-breakers and pioneers, suffered a second defeat in three days - their only two in Qatar — but it could not detract from what they had achieved. Like Croatia, they will have tales to tell for a lifetime.
So much for the “booby prize”, then. Walid Regragui had labelled it as such 24 hours before kick-off, but with a caveat. The pain of Morocco’s semi-final defeat still pinched, the disappointment of what could have been on Wednesday and against France not yet passed.
Thus, the third-placed play-off against Croatia, Regragui offered, felt scant consolation for a month of mammoth effort from his men. Of history-making, too.
Morocco had blazed a trail for Africa and the Arab world. Against all odds, they were among the final four teams at a World Cup.
On Saturday, at a heaving Khalifa International Stadium where Moroccan fans did what they have all tournament, that’s where they remained. But only just.
They were patched up, the scars of a seventh game in a month there to see on the team sheet. There was no captain Romain Saiss or partner Nayef Aguerd – Morocco’s first-choice centre-backs – while Noussair Mazraoui, the Bayern Munich left-back, was also out. The trio were injured. Azzedine Ounahi, a breakout star of Qatar 2022 in what has felt a team of them, was on the bench.
But Croatia were similarly hamstrung. The tireless 2018 runners-up, in which the joke went they had finally run out of legs after four-and-a-half years, made five changes from the team that lost on Tuesday to Argentina.
Still, Luka Modric led them out, Mateo Kovacic was soon there in the middle alongside him, and the typically imperious Josko Gvardiol marshalled the defence in Dejan Lovren’s absence.
Both teams, apparently finding a second or third or whatever wind, raced from the blocks. Seven minutes had gone when Croatia worked a beautifully inventive free-kick, Modric floating it to Ivan Perisic, who flicked a header to Josko Gvardiol. The centre-back hurled himself at the ball and headed high past Yassine Bounou (Bono) in the Morocco goal.
For the man at the middle of the Lionel Messi memes after the semi-finals, nevertheless a real standout performer this tournament, it felt just reward. Little wonder Europe’s major clubs are said to be circling. Cash in, and RB Leipzig could make a killing.
Yet, as Croatia collected themselves, Morocco caught them out. Achraf Dari met a high, looping ball into the penalty area and sent it past rival goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. There were 112 seconds between the goals. The tone for a see-saw contest was set.
Bono then palmed away a Modric shot; Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi combined brilliantly but could not find Youssef En-Nesyri; Sofiane Boufal’s skipped a couple of challenges but couldn’t provide the finish.
At the other end, Mislav Orsic did. Minutes before half-time, the Croatia forward took possession just inside the Morocco penalty area and bent a sublime effort far beyond Bono’s reach. The shot ricocheted off the far post before nestling in the net.
The second half lacked the intensity of the first, but that should be no surprise considering everything these two teams had given throughout their respective stays in Qatar.
With 16 minutes remaining, Croatia screamed for a penalty. The marauding Gvardiol looked to have been bundled over in the area by Moroccan Sofyan Amrabat – the midfielder was now deployed in defence – but the referee waved away appeals.
Seconds later, Livakovic thwarted En-Nesyri as he bore down on goal. Late on, Kovacic screwed wide. In the dying moments, En-Nesyri headed on to the roof of the Croatia goal.
The final whistle went and Croatia’s players and staff sprung from the bench. It was not the match anyone coveted, but Zlatko Dalic’s side had edged out Morocco. Third was theirs.
Morocco, fourth at a World Cup - fourth at a World Cup — could take solace in what surely represents a bright future.
The years Ramadan fell in May
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
The National photo project
Chris Whiteoak, a photographer at The National, spent months taking some of Jacqui Allan's props around the UAE, positioning them perfectly in front of some of the country's most recognisable landmarks. He placed a pirate on Kite Beach, in front of the Burj Al Arab, the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland at the Burj Khalifa, and brought one of Allan's snails (Freddie, which represents her grandfather) to the Dubai Frame. In Abu Dhabi, a dinosaur went to Al Ain's Jebel Hafeet. And a flamingo was taken all the way to the Hatta Mountains. This special project suitably brings to life the quirky nature of Allan's prop shop (and Allan herself!).
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Try out the test yourself
Q1 Suppose you had $100 in a savings account and the interest rate was 2 per cent per year. After five years, how much do you think you would have in the account if you left the money to grow?
a) More than $102
b) Exactly $102
c) Less than $102
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer
Q2 Imagine that the interest rate on your savings account was 1 per cent per year and inflation was 2 per cent per year. After one year, how much would you be able to buy with the money in this account?
a) More than today
b) Exactly the same as today
c) Less than today
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer
Q4 Do you think that the following statement is true or false? “Buying a single company stock usually provides a safer return than a stock mutual fund.”
a) True
b) False
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer
The “Big Three” financial literacy questions were created by Professors Annamaria Lusardi of the George Washington School of Business and Olivia Mitchell, of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Answers: Q1 More than $102 (compound interest). Q2 Less than today (inflation). Q3 False (diversification).
SERIE A FIXTURES
Friday Sassuolo v Benevento (Kick-off 11.45pm)
Saturday Crotone v Spezia (6pm), Torino v Udinese (9pm), Lazio v Verona (11.45pm)
Sunday Cagliari v Inter Milan (3.30pm), Atalanta v Fiorentina (6pm), Napoli v Sampdoria (6pm), Bologna v Roma (6pm), Genoa v Juventus (9pm), AC Milan v Parma (11.45pm)
Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
Stars: 3
England World Cup squad
Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wkt), Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
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'Cheb%20Khaled'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EArtist%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKhaled%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELabel%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBelieve%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
The BIO
Favourite piece of music: Verdi’s Requiem. It’s awe-inspiring.
Biggest inspiration: My father, as I grew up in a house where music was constantly played on a wind-up gramophone. I had amazing music teachers in primary and secondary school who inspired me to take my music further. They encouraged me to take up music as a profession and I follow in their footsteps, encouraging others to do the same.
Favourite book: Ian McEwan’s Atonement – the ending alone knocked me for six.
Favourite holiday destination: Italy - music and opera is so much part of the life there. I love it.
At Everton Appearances: 77; Goals: 17
At Manchester United Appearances: 559; Goals: 253
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
BULKWHIZ PROFILE
Date started: February 2017
Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce
Size: 50 employees
Funding: approximately $6m
Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait
Results
2.30pm: Park Avenue – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (Dirt) 2,000m; Winner: Rb Seqondtonone, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
3.05pm: Al Furjan – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Bosphorus, Dane O’Neill, Bhupat Seemar
3.40pm: Mina – Rated Condition (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Royal Mews, Tadhg O’Shea, Bhupat Seemar
4.15pm: Aliyah – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,900m; Winner: Ursa Minor, Ray Dawson, Ahmad bin Harmash
4.50pm: Riviera Beach – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 2,200m; Winner: Woodditton, Saif Al Balushi, Ahmad bin Harmash
5.25pm: Riviera – Handicap (TB) Dh2,000 (T) 2,000m; Winner: Al Madhar, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
6pm: Creek Views – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Al Salt, Dane O’Neill, Erwan Charpy
The years Ramadan fell in May
'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'
Rating: 1 out of 4
Running time: 81 minutes
Director: David Blue Garcia
Starring: Sarah Yarkin, Elsie Fisher, Mark Burnham
