Morocco manager Herve Renard says he will only talk about his future after the World Cup finishes on July 15. EPA
Morocco manager Herve Renard says he will only talk about his future after the World Cup finishes on July 15. EPA

Herve Renard refuses to discuss his future after defiant World Cup farewell draw



Morocco manager Herve Renard declined to talk about his future with the national team following an encouraging and defiant 2-2 draw against Spain in their final World Cup match on Monday.

The North Africans finished bottom of Group B with one point, but were unlucky not to end their campaign with a memorable win against Spain, after substitute Iago Aspas scored in stoppage time to earn the 2010 world champions a 2-2 draw.

"For the time being we are savouring the moment," Frenchman Renard, who took charge of Morocco in 2016, said when asked about his future. "I will think of the future later on.

"Let's wait until the end of the World Cup... It's been an exceptional experience. We have learnt a great deal in three matches. We learnt what it is to play at a very high level."

______________

Read more on World Cup 2018:

World Cup 2018: Day 13 updates - Messi's Argentina face Nigeria test

In pictures: Ronaldo stars for Portugal in World Cup Group B win over Morocco

Analysis: Why Ronaldo and the set-piece experts are rocking World Cup 2018

Download: The National's World Cup 2018 wall chart

______________

Morocco showed plenty of attacking intent in the contest and led twice through Khalid Boutaib and Youssef En-Nesyri. Spain had hit back through Isco before Aspas struck late on.

"We would have loved to get a win over Spain, this is why we came here tonight. We suffered just like any other team that takes on Spain," Renard added.

"When you look at the line-up, it's a mix of Real Madrid and Barcelona, so these are outstanding players – so our team should be commended.

"We lacked experience... We needed it in order to progress, but we showed we were able to take on two of the best teams in the world in Spain and Portugal.

"We showed we could represent Morocco in a World Cup. We'll keep this tournament in our minds, it was a magical moment."

The draw helped Spain pip Portugal to top spot on goals scored after both teams were level on five points and the same goal difference. The European champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Iran in the day's other match.

The Brutalist

Director: Brady Corbet

Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn

Rating: 3.5/5

The specs: Fenyr SuperSport

Price, base: Dh5.1 million

Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 800hp @ 7,100pm

Torque: 980Nm @ 4,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 13.5L / 100km

The specs
Engine: 2.5-litre, turbocharged 5-cylinder

Transmission: seven-speed auto

Power: 400hp

Torque: 500Nm

Price: Dh300,000 (estimate)

On sale: 2022 

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

How to donate

Text the following numbers:

2289 - Dh10

6025 - Dh 20

2252 - Dh 50

2208 - Dh 100

6020 - Dh 200 

*numbers work for both Etisalat and du

Moon Music

Artist: Coldplay

Label: Parlophone/Atlantic

Number of tracks: 10

Rating: 3/5