Croatia, runners-up at the last World Cup, were held to a 0-0 draw by Morocco on Wednesday in their opening Group F match at the Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar.
It's the third goalless draw in nine games at the tournament so far.
The Croats, beaten by France in the 2018 final in Moscow, had the better of the chances, with Dejan Lovren having an effort cleared off the line and Nikola Vlasic's close shot saved by the legs of Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesryi might have given the North Africans an early lead but was unable to get a decent touch onto Hakim Ziyech's dangerous cross.
In the second half, Achraf Hakimi's powerful free kick was parried by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
Belgium and Canada play at 11:00 pm UAE time in Wednesday's other Group F match at Al Rayyan.
Meanwhile, Croatia will now turn their attentions to their game against Canada on Sunday, when Morocco will face Belgium.
Paris St Germain picked up where they left off following last season’s Champions League triumph as they kicked off their new campaign with an impressive 4-0 win over Atalanta at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk headed home a last-gasp goal in stoppage time to lead Arne Slot's men to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in the opening game of their Champions League campaign on Wednesday at Anfield.
Pakistan delayed their match against the UAE by an hour on Wednesday after considering a withdrawal from the Asia Cup in protest at a match referee whom they say condoned unsportsmanlike behaviour by India at the weekend.
Portuguese club Benfica are set to name Jose Mourinho as its head coach following the sacking of Bruno Lage in the aftermath of their 3-2 Champions League defeat by Qarabag, Portuguese TV station RTP reported on Wednesday.
Celebrating a history-making year in completing the career Grand Slam at Augusta National, Rory McIlroy has confirmed his return to Emirates Golf Club to headline the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, taking place from January 22–25, 2026.