The bright lights of the FIFA Club World Cup shine brightest on the teams competing for the ultimate prize. However, for those who have faced the harsh reality of elimination early on, a different kind of fixture emerges: the battle for pride and the avoidance of the tournament`s absolute bottom.
This is precisely the scenario for Wydad and Al Ain as they prepare for their final match. Both sides entered the tournament with hopes of making an impact, but those aspirations were quickly tempered by encounters with European football`s current heavyweights. Wydad faced Manchester City and Juventus, succumbing to 2-0 and 4-1 defeats respectively. Al Ain`s experience was even more challenging, suffering heavy 5-0 and 6-0 losses against the very same opponents.
With zero points accrued from their two matches, neither team can now progress in the competition. Yet, this upcoming fixture is not entirely without significance. It represents a final opportunity to leave the tournament with something tangible – points on the board and the avoidance of the ignominy that comes with finishing rock bottom of Group G.
Statistical analysis paints a clear picture of the struggles faced by both teams when up against elite opposition. Wydad, despite managing more shots (27) than their opponents (24) across their two games – a perhaps counter-intuitive statistic given their possession figures – found the net just once while conceding six. Their average possession stood at a low 35%, reflecting the difficulty they had in controlling the flow of the game against dominant sides.
Al Ain`s difficulties were perhaps more acute. They conceded a staggering 11 goals in just two matches, a tally surpassed only by one other team in the tournament. Their possession stats were even lower, averaging a mere 32%. The most striking statistic for Al Ain, however, is their inability to score. Despite players like Kodjo Laba attempting to create chances, they remain the only side in the group yet to find the back of the net. This final match offers a crucial chance to rectify that particular statistic and prevent a scoreless exit.
This encounter is less about tactical masterclasses and more about mental fortitude and the desire to compete even when the main goal is out of reach. With the pressure of qualification removed, could this lead to a more open game? Both Wydad and Al Ain will be focused on securing a positive result to provide a small measure of consolation after a tough tournament experience. For Al Ain, simply scoring a goal would likely feel like a victory in itself.
Ultimately, this match serves as a stark reminder of the significant gap that often exists between regional champions and the established giants of European football at this level. However, it also highlights the professional obligation and inherent competitive spirit of the players, who will undoubtedly give their all in this final fixture to end their Club World Cup campaign on a slightly better note.
