The grand stage of the FIFA Club World Cup delivered its share of expected narratives – the dominant marches of European giants like Juventus and Manchester City towards the knockout rounds. However, for two participants, Wydad and Al Ain, the tournament`s journey culminated not in a fight for the trophy, but in a final group stage fixture played primarily for pride and the desire to avoid the ignominy of finishing the competition point-less. This was the backdrop for their meeting at Audi Field in Washington D.C. on Thursday, June 26.
Both sides had found the step up in competition against the global elite a significant challenge. Wydad arrived at this match having suffered two defeats, first a 0-2 loss to Manchester City, followed by a 1-4 reverse against Juventus. This left them with zero points and a goal difference of -5. Al Ain`s tournament experience was arguably even more stark, enduring heavy losses of 0-5 against Juventus and 0-6 against Manchester City. Their record stood at zero points with a challenging goal difference of -11, positioning them at the bottom of the group.
An analysis of their performance metrics paints a clear picture of the struggles. Both teams found it difficult to maintain possession against superior opposition, a fundamental challenge in modern football. Wydad averaged only 35% possession across their matches, while Al Ain`s figure was slightly lower at 32%. Offensive output was also limited. Despite attempting 27 shots over their two games, Wydad managed just one goal – netted by Thembinkosi Lorch, who accounted for seven of those shots. Al Ain`s attacking efforts were even less fruitful, recording only 14 shots total and failing to score in their first two outings. Defensively, the numbers highlight the pressure they faced: Wydad conceded six goals, and Al Ain an unfortunate eleven, second only to Auckland City in goals allowed across the entire tournament.
Given the context of guaranteed elimination, the match between Wydad and Al Ain became a different kind of contest – one for third place in the group standings and, more importantly, for salvaging some positive memory from their Club World Cup appearance. Freed from the ultimate pressure of qualification, there was potential for a more open game, a chance to express themselves without the fear of a knockout blow to their tournament aspirations (which had already occurred). Al Ain`s forward Kodjo Laba, despite his team`s goal drought, had shown flashes of individual quality, creating chances and registering shots.
The match itself unfolded as a spirited affair between two teams desperate not to end their campaign on a losing note. It was a battle fought with determination, reflecting the shared experience of being outclassed but still possessing professional pride. The encounter ultimately finished in a 2-2 draw. While this result didn`t propel either side towards the latter stages, securing a point and, for Al Ain, finally finding the back of the net, offered a degree of consolation at the close of their respective FIFA Club World Cup journeys.
