December 17, 2022 coverage of the World Cup

Our live coverage has ended for the day. We’ll be back for the World Cup final on Sunday!

Read more on the big match between Argentina and France here.

A titan of the sport will make his last World Cup appearance in Sunday’s final between Argentina and France, but Lionel Messi’s opponents haven’t conceded the spotlight.

The reigning champion Les Bleus will look to create their own entry in the history books. They have a chance to become the first back-to-back tournament winners since Brazil in the late ’50s and early ‘60s.

“It’s a final between two big nations of football, between Argentina and France,” added Hugo Lloris, the French captain and goalkeeper.?“Obviously when you face that type of player you need a special focus on him, but it’s not only about him, you know?”

“We want to write our own story and we want to finish it in the best way possible,” Lloris said.

It’s impossible to ignore the storyline: Argentina soccer legend Lionel Messi is playing in his final World Cup match Sunday against Kylian Mbappé, the 23-year-old superstar who is quickly becoming the face of the game.

But in remarks to the media Saturday, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni downplayed the superstar faceoff, emphasizing that tomorrow’s World Cup final is a team game.

The coach added about the opposing side’s superstar:

“France is not only Mbappé. He is a great player. I think they have other players that assist him and make him a better player.?He is one of the best players, he is still young and he will continue improving, there is no doubt about that.”

Perhaps underlining Scaloni’s point is the race for the Golden Boot. While Messi and Mbappé currently are in the lead for most goals in the tournament, a pair of teammates are close behind them. Argentina’s Julián álvarez and France’s Olivier Giroud have scored four times apiece, putting them just one goal behind their squads’ headlining stars.

Croatia captain Luka Modri?, regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in soccer history, led his team onto a podium for a brief medal ceremony after securing the third-place finish at Qatar 2022.

Croatia captain Luka Modri?, right, celebrates after his team’s third place win over Morocco on Saturday, December 17.

Croatia players and Coach Zlatko Dali? receive their third place medals on Saturday.

Croatia players celebrate their 2-1 win over Morocco on Saturday.

Croatia held on to its 2-1 lead in a tense, scoreless second half, defeating Morocco 2-1 to claim a third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup.

Both teams showed serious effort in a consolation match that hasn’t always seen peak competition at previous tournaments.

Morocco finishes its history-making run in fourth place — but the team still made it far deeper in the tournament than most analysts anticipated.

And it’s another strong showing for Croatia, the eternal underdog, which can now count consecutive World Cups in the final four.

It has been a long World Cup campaign for both teams and the fatigue is starting to show, with several players leaving the pitch injured.

Morocco is still searching for an equalizer and almost pulled one back when Youssef En-Nesyri hammered one toward the goal. Only a brilliant save from Dominik Livakovi? maintained Croatia’s slim lead.

It’s still all to play for in these final minutes!

Third-place contests at previous iterations of the World Cup have also had their share of action, FIFA pointed out in a tweet:

Croatia’s goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic dives for the ball during the match against Morocco on Saturday.?

We have kickoff in the second half of this third-place faceoff, with Croatia leading Morocco 2-1.

After an exciting first half, which saw back-to-back goals in the early minutes of the match, the Atlas Lions are looking to find the back of the net as the Vatreni seek to maintain their dominance on the pitch.

Croatia players celebrate their team’s second goal against Morocco on Saturday.

What a half of soccer!

Croatia leads Morocco 2-1 as the halftime whistle blows.

Croatia's Mislav Orsi? scores his side's second goal against Morocco on Saturday.

Croatia’s Mislav Orsi? scored to propel the Vatreni over Morocco 2-1 in the battle for bronze.

With Croatia pressing for another goal late in the first half, it seemed as if Morocco had controlled the danger, but the Atlas Lions lost possession on the edge of the box.

Croatia then worked the ball to Orsi?, who was positioned away from where the Moroccan defense had concentrated. The forward chipped it beautifully over the head of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, off the right-hand post and into the net.

Croatia's Mislav Orsic and Morocco's Jawad El Yamiq fight for the ball on Saturday.

There is a certain symmetry to Morocco and Croatia’s World Cup experiences. They both end where they began — playing each other.

The two teams ended their opening game of the group stages three weeks ago in a tense but lifeless 0-0 draw.

Aside from the same two teams playing, this match could not be more different.

It has been a breathless, end-to-end start, filled with scoring opportunities and epitomized by the two goals in two minutes — the first for Croatia and second for Morocco.

Both came from free kicks, in another neat symmetry, and set pieces will be crucial in this match for both teams, given the strength displayed by each side’s defense during the tournament.

Croatia's Jo?ko Gvardiol wears a face mask during the match against Morocco on Saturday, December 17.

Several players at this year’s World Cup have paired their seemingly superhuman speed and skills with superhero-like masks. While the coverings might make them look like Batman, the masks are purely for protection.

Jo?ko Gvardiol from Croatia — who scored an early goal for his squad in today’s battle for bronze — has been wearing one due to a nose and eye problem from a head clash for his club Leipzig in Germany.

South Korea’s Son Heung-Min was also seen donning a black mask that covers his nose and eyes. Son?suffered a fractured eye socket?during Tottenham’s win against Marseille in the Champions League on Nov. 1.

Tunisia’s Ellyes Skhiri broke his cheekbone in October for FC Koln in Germany, so he also wore a mask that covered his nose and sides of his face.

And Iran’s Alireza Beiranvand kept a mask on during practices — but not in any games — after his head injury against England in Iran’s first group match. He missed the contest against Wales but played maskless against the US.

Morocco’s Achraf Dari heads the ball to score against Croatia on Saturday.

We’re off to an exciting start! Morocco immediately responded to Croatia’s goal, setting the score at 1-1 before we’ve played 10 minutes.

Moroccan Achraf Dari found the back of the net with a header on a free kick that was looped into the box by teammate Hakim Ziyech.

Croatia's Jo?ko Gvardiol, right, celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the match against Morocco on Saturday.

Croatia’s Jo?ko Gvardiol has scored early in the game, establishing a 1-0 lead over Morocco.

It came from a clever set piece play, with a free kick floated into the edge of the box for Ivan Perisic. The forward headed the ball back inside to Gvardiol, whose brilliant, diving header found the back of the net.

Morocco's Yahia Attiyat Allah and Croatia's Marko Livaja fight for the ball on Saturday.

We’re underway at Khalifa International Stadium.

It’s a final showcase for two teams that made a deeper run than expected in this tournament, with a bronze medal and some extra prize money on the line.

Players and match officials line up prior to the match between Croatia and Morocco on December 17.

Morocco

Goalkeeper: Bono

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Achraf Dari, Jawad El Yamiq, Yahia Attiyat Allah

Midfielders: Bilal El Khannous, Sofyan Amrabat, Abdelhamid Sabiri

Forwards: Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofiane Boufal

———

Croatia

Goalkeeper: Dominik Livakovi?

Defenders: Josip Stani?i?, Josip ?utalo, Jo?ko Gvardiol

Midfielders: Mislav Or?i?, Lovro Majer, Luka Modri?, Mateo Kova?i?, Ivan Peri?i?

Forwards: Marko Livaja, Andrej Kramari?

You just lost in the semifinals at a World Cup. You and your teammates are understandably heartbroken, endlessly replaying the possibilities of what might have been.

After a monthlong stay ends in devastating defeat, you’re looking forward to going back home to see family and friends. Instead, you have to stay and play in the third-place playoff.

To many, it seems a largely pointless exercise. Does it really matter which team comes third or fourth? The answer largely comes down to money.

Naturally, FIFA is eager to host an extra contest. The revenue from an additional broadcast’s worth of sponsorships cannot be ignored.

And for the teams, there is some glory to be had. The winner gets a bronze medal and bragging rights.

But if coming third instead of fourth isn’t enough incentive, there’s a bottom-line consideration for them, too. The winner of the match gets a slightly larger cash prize for its efforts — $27 million instead of $25 million.

All but two World Cup tournaments in history — the first edition in 1930 and then again in 1950 — have featured third-place playoffs.

On the field, the importance of the playoffs depends entirely on the teams contesting them. Four years ago in Russia, England played as if it couldn’t have cared less. Meanwhile, Croatia in 1998 and Uruguay in 2010 (though it ultimately lost to Germany) showed much more effort.

This year, Morocco and Croatia each seem eager to continue asserting their presence on the sport’s biggest stage. They’ll have a chance to secure that bronze medal and $2 million extra for their federations.

As ever, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar produced stirring moments on and off the pitch.

Check out some of the best images captured in the course of the tournament, and view a complete gallery of the best photos from Qatar 2022 here.

Brazil's Richarlison scores their second goal during the match against Serbia at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar on November 24.

Senegal's Isma?la Sarr eyes the ball during the match between Senegal and Netherlands at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar on November 21.

Referee Stéphanie Frappart warms up alongside assistant referees Neuza Back and Karen Diaz Medina before the match between Costa Rica and Germany in Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar on December 1.

Croatia's Jo?ko Gvardiol reacts after Julián álvarez scores Argentina's second goal at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar on December 13.

Players of Saudi Arabia celebrate their victory after the match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium in Lusail City, Qatar on November 22.

Sofiane Boufal of Morocco celebrates with a family member after the team's 1-0 victory against Portugal at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar on December 10.

Despite a final matchup featuring soccer giants Argentina and France, many fans will remember the 2022 World Cup for its unlikely heroes and upset outcomes.

As the tournament draws to a close, here’s a look at some of the World Cup’s most shocking victories and underdog moments:

Saudi Arabia beats Argentina

Saudi Arabia players celebrate their 2-1 win against Argentina at Lusail Stadium in Lusail City, Qatar on November 22.

Messi and the rest of La Albiceleste are a win away from being crowned champions of this World Cup, but their journey got off to an inauspicious start.

When Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1 in the tournament’s group stage, it marked the biggest upset in World Cup history, according to sports data group Gracenote.

Many had expected Argentina to sweep aside Saudi Arabia, with 48 places separating the two teams in the world rankings. But second-half goals from Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari turned the game on its head.

Al-Dawsari’s incredible winner from distance and subsequent acrobatic celebration was a defining moment of this World Cup, and the highlight for a Saudi Arabia team that was eliminated shortly after.

Japan beats Germany and Spain to top its group

Japan captain Maya Yoshida, center, and his teammates after defeating Spain 2-1 at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar on December 2.

Japan’s surprising 2-1 comeback win against Germany helped establish the idea that this tournament could be a showcase for the strength of soccer’s continents outside of Europe and South America.

Japan narrowly lost its second World Cup Group E game to Costa Rica, but then shocked Spain – one of the favorites to win the tournament – with a second 2-1 comeback win.

Ultimately, Japan finished the group stage on top of the Group E standings, a shock in its own right.

The Samurai Blue exited the tournament after a Group of 16 shootout loss to Croatia, but they endeared themselves to fans and fellow teams for their dramatic wins and their grace, on and off the pitch. Images went viral of the team’s spotless locker rooms after victory celebrations and of their fans helping clean the stands after matches.

Morocco’s upset victories propel historic run

Achraf Hakimi of Morocco celebrates with family members after defeating Spain at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar on December 6.

Morocco shocked the world when it won its first World Cup match since 1998 – and its third ever – 2-0 over heavyweight Belgium, which entered ranked No. 2 in the world.

It turned out to be just the beginning of a magical run for the Atlas Lions, who captured hearts with their touching celebrations with family members who attended the tournament in Qatar.

Morocco went on to shock Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal with a 1-0 win in the Group of 16, becoming both the first African country and first Arab nation to reach the World Cup semifinals.

Though it ended in a heartbreaking loss to France, Morocco’s deep run upended all expectations.

Read more about the tournament’s big upsets, and the factors that may have contributed to them, here.

David Beckham stands before the start of the quarterfinal match between England and France at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar on December 10.

English soccer great David Beckham addressed criticism over his role as an ambassador for Qatar during the?World Cup, saying Friday that it is “positive that debate about the key issues has been stimulated directly by the first World Cup being held in the region.”

British comedian Joe Lycett?called on Beckham to step down from his role fronting the tournament due to Qatar’s human rights record, particularly its stance on homosexuality, which is illegal in the Gulf state, and said he that he would shred ￡10,000 ($11,800) if he did not receive a response from the football star.

Lycett said he did not receive a response from Beckham by his imposed deadline, which led to him sharing a video of himself appearing to shred the cash when the tournament kicked off on November 20. He later claimed he had “donated to LGBTQ+ charities” and not shredded any money.

“We understand that there are different and strongly held views about engagement in the Middle East but see it as positive that debate about the key issues has been stimulated directly by the first World Cup being held in the region,” Beckham’s spokesperson told CNN via a statement Friday.

Croatia fans show their support during the semi final match between Argentina and Croatia at Lusail Stadium in Lusail City, Qatar on December 13.

Panama, Mauritania, Georgia and Eritrea are four countries with roughly the equivalent population sizes of Croatia.

Those four nations share one World Cup appearance between them, and that was when Panama played in Russia 2018, finishing the group stage with three defeats and conceding 11 goals.

Croatia’s World Cup pedigree is an altogether different story. In six World Cup appearances, the country has reached the semifinals on three occasions. Four years ago, Croatia contested the final, ultimately losing to France.

Croatia only gained independence in 1991, during the bloody Balkan war that lasted until 1995. Its population is just under four million, though you’d never have known given the way it traded blows with soccer superpower Brazil in this tournament’s quarterfinals, ultimately winning in a penalty shootout.

That success was very much a case of David knocking out Goliath, given Brazil’s population is 214 million people.

Igor ?timac, who played in all of Croatia’s 1998 World Cup matches during its run to third place, told CNN that the country’s recent history has helped play a part in forging elite competitors.

“These things are helping to stay with a great mental strength, great discipline, staying humble and surviving with pride, whatever difficulties there are in front of us,” he said.

“But we cannot say that only the last war which happened here helped in these things because the wars were going on through this region for many occasions. It’s something also about this region in regards to the climate, in regards to the culture,” he added.

Continue reading here.

Morocco players celebrate after they beat Spain 3-0 from penalties at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar on December 6.

The Atlas Lions,?Morocco’s soccer team, roared into the history books at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Though it ended in a heartbreaking loss to France, Morocco’s run upended all expectations. The squad advanced deep into uncharted territory, further than?any African team?has ever managed before.

Cartographers of the beautiful game know that the world football map has been permanently redrawn in Qatar.

Morocco’s progress produced some memorable moments: A draw against the?2018 finalists Croatia,?a stirring win against second-ranked Belgium and another victory against Canada saw the Lions top its group. Images of coach Walid Regragui being tossed joyfully into the air and the players prostrating on the turf in prayer have become iconic.

But arguably the most powerful and heartwarming scenes of the tournament have been of these battle-hardened conquering heroes celebrating so openly, and sometimes goofily, with their mothers.

It’s a feel-good vibe that has spread far beyond the stadiums and streets of Qatar — and is at odds with a more common narrative in an Arab world riddled with growing youth unemployment, ballooning inflation, rising poverty rates and political violence.

Keep reading here.