By our man in Doha
DOHA, Qatar – Croatia’s FIFA Under-17 World Cup campaign ended in crushing, digital-age heartbreak yesterday, as they were sensationally dumped out by Uzbekistan in a gut-wrenching 3-4 penalty shootout defeat.
The drama played out not in a thunderous cauldron of noise, but under the pristine, high-tech quiet of Doha’s ultra-modern Aspire Zone – Pitch 9, a setting that seemed too perfect for such raw, youthful emotion.
The Round of 16 encounter had everything but a clear winner in 90 minutes, finishing 1-1. The Croats, favourites to progress, were frustrated by a resilient Uzbek side who refused to be overawed by the European pedigree facing them.
Every touch and tackle was magnified in the gleaming, perfectly-maintained surroundings of the Qatari sports complex.
The Aspire Zone, known globally as a breeding ground for elite sports science and future champions, offered a strange contrast to the sheer, unbridled pressure of a knockout match.
There were no crumbling stands or muddy patches—just flawless turf and futuristic infrastructure that highlighted the high stakes. It was a sterile setting for a fever-pitch battle.
Following the tight 1-1 deadlock, the stage was set for the ultimate decider: penalties. The Croat youngsters stepped up to the spot, but the pressure proved too much.
As the shootout reached its frantic climax, the tension was unbearable. Uzbekistan held their nerve, burying four clinical spot-kicks while the young Croatians cracked, missing two crucial attempts.
The final kick sealed the 3-4 win for the underdogs, sparking wild celebrations on the pitch that broke the quiet perfection of the venue.
Uzbekistan now march on, having silenced their critics and stunned a tournament favourite.
Croatia, meanwhile, are left to ponder what might have been, their World Cup dream dissolving into the humid Doha night air at the foot of one of the world’s most advanced sporting hubs.
