World Cup: Build-up to third-place play-off & final countdown

1. Build-up to Croatia v Morocco in third-place play-off at 15:00 GMT
2. Watch the game live on BBC One & BBC iPlayer
3. Latest news ahead of Sunday's final between Argentina v France
4. Get Involved: #bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only – texts will be charged at your standard message rate), or text your comments via WhatsApp on 03301231826

A European side to take bronze again?

Getty Images

• This is the second meeting between Croatia and Morocco at this World Cup, having played out a 0-0 draw in the group stage. Croatia were restricted to five shots, their fewest ever in a World Cup match.
• Croatia have kept a clean sheet in all three of their previous World Cup matches against African sides, beating Cameroon 4-0 in 2014, Nigeria 2-0 in 2018, and drawing 0-0 with Morocco this year.
• None of the 19 previous third-place play-off matches at the World Cup have gone to penalties, with only one being settled in extra time (France v Belgium in 1986).
• A European nation has won this match in each of the last 10 editions of the tournament, since Brazil's 2-1 win over Italy in 1978.

Penalty shootout?

If we end up with penalties in the third-place play-off it could be a cracker.

We've already seen Croatia's Dominik Livakovic and Morocco's Yassine Bounou be more than happy when it comes to saving spot-kicks in this tournament.

'We wanted things to go differently'

Morocco

Reuters

Morocco boss Walid Regragui says his team "would like to be on the podium" as they re-focus for today's third-place play-off game with Croatia.

He acknowledges his disappointment at missing out on the final after Wednesday's defeat to France, but says he is proud of his players.

"We would like things to have gone differently and played in the final," he said. "But there is another game to play and we would like to be on the podium."

Morocco 'resemble us'

Croatia

Reuters

Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic says Morocco's performances at this World Cup have reminded him of his own side's remarkable run to the final at Russia 2018.

"They resemble us from four years ago, no-one expected them to go so far," he said. "They have deserved to be where they are.

"They have matured and developed and went to a higher level with every game. They have grown into a team that are full of energy and self-motivated.

"They are definitely the most pleasant and biggest surprise from this World Cup."

'Morocco's fairytale to get winning finish'

BBC Sport

I was gutted for Morocco, who were running out of defenders with the injuries they picked up before and during their semi-final defeat by France.

I also wonder about all the emotion they have used up during their incredible run to the last four, and whether they might all feel a bit flat now their dream is over.

Morocco will still be desperate to win this game and finish third, though, while I'm not sure what Croatia's selection or mindset will be like.

They drew 0-0 when they met in the group stage but this time, if both teams are as strong as they can be and go all out for victory, I would back Croatia.

I don't think that will happen though, so let's give the Morocco fairytale a winning finish.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

'I hope Modric plays on'

Croatia

Getty Images

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic says Luka Modric's international future is entirely up to the midfielder.

Asked if he thinks Modric, 37, will still be playing at Euro 2024, Dalic admitted he did not know but was holding hope his playmaker would carry on.

"I hope that he will be there," Dalic said, "but he will personally decide how he feels.

"I feel he will be, but ultimately it is his decision."

Argentina's news conference is due to start soon but we're only three hours from kick-off in the third place play-off between Croatia and Morocco.

The humble beginnings of a legend

As a young boy, Lionel Messi was already showing glimpses of his genius.

Those who watched him on the pitches of Rosario, Argentina knew they were witnessing something special.

Watch the Messi documentary on BBC iPlayer.

'An incredible success'

Fifa president Gianni Infantino did a press conference yesterday.

It covered a range of topics, including announcing an extended men's Club World Cup, a new women's Club World Cup and a new-look international calender.

Infantino also reflected on this World Cup, calling it "an incredible success" and the "best ever World Cup".

'It's felt uncomfortable being here'

Jason Burt

Telegraph journalist on BBC Radio 5 Live

I've found it reasonably uncomfortable being here. Not my working environment which has been fine and the facilities which have been great. Fifa always make sure it's fine for journalists.

It does feel like Qatar has so much money and it is all being spent in the moment. Everything has been built for this occasion and the infrastructure doesn't feel like it will last. All the concerns just make it uncomfortable.

We have to be extremely careful in the West not to pontificate about other societies - we have got our own problems and have also done far too much of that in the past.

But we are allowed to express our concerns.

Get Involved

Okokok: Winning or not winning a World Cup winners' medal does not determine whether a player can or can not be classed as great. Football is a team sport and individuals can make a difference. But to say a player isn't great because he's playing with 10 other 'average' team mates is just stupid. For example Cruyff never won a World Cup but to say he isn't one of the greats would be ridiculous.

'Alvarez is outstanding'

BBC Radio 5 Live

Francisco Canepa, ESPN journalist on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Julian Alvarez is marvellous. He is always running, always pressuring and he is an extraordinary player off both feet. Since he moved to Manchester City, his mentality has changed 100% as well.

"He's a key player now for Argentina, not only for the goals but mainly for the way he plays and collaborates with the defence as well. With him and Enzo Fernandez, Argentina do not just have the future, they also have the present."

How Argentina reached the final

Here's how Argentina reached the final.

It started with an opening-game loss to Saudi Arabia, but it has been up, up, up since then.

Get Involved

Gilly79: Messi is without doubt in the group of best ever players. He has great strength for a little guy, balance, fast feet and amazing close control. Plus his quality of passing, when to pass, weight of pass and seeing things other cannot. You can't teach that. Blessed to have seen him play in my lifetime. Humble too.

What game can we expect?

Clinton Morrison

Former Republic of Ireland striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

It's really difficult to say. Argentina are very reliant on Lionel Messi. They defend in numbers and basically say to him to work his magic.

This game is fascinating. I love Messi and it would be a great story if he goes out on a high and wins it but there is something about France. They have big game players, an exceptional manager and it could be back-to-back victories.

Argentina fans to outnumber France

Argentina

2014 runners-up

PA Media

Argentina will have far more supporters in the crowd at the Lusail Stadium, with up to 40,000 expected in Doha for the occasion, while French fans are set to number around 6,000.

How much of a difference will that make?

'Virus crisis'

France boss Didier Deschamps could become only the second manager to lead a nation to victory at two separate World Cups, after Vittorio Pozzo with Italy in 1934 and 1938. Deschamps has won 14 of his 18 matches as manager at the finals.

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Why this obsession?

Reuters

Sam Brook: Why compare Messi to anyone else? Why this obsession at who was, is or will be better than him, him or him? Just enjoy what you see and watch in the moment.

'Magical Messi v meteoric Mbappe'

Lionel Messi has 11 goals and eight assists in 25 World Cup appearances. If he scores or assists in the final, he will be the first player to record 20 goal involvements at the competition (counting goals all-time and assists since 1966).

Meanwhile, France have won all seven of their World Cup knockout games since the start of the 2018 tournament.

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'Worth the entrance fee'

Reuters

Alan: To watch Messi play is worth the entrance fee. Not many players like him come along very often. He will join a small list of the greats of this wonderful game we call football,