Croatia send Canada out of World Cup with 4-1 victory

Alphonso Davies gave Canada a second-minute lead however Croatia’s high quality shone via to place them high of Group F.

Croatia overcame a spirited Canada on Sunday night to register a formidable 4-1 victory, sending themselves high of Group F and eliminating the North American underdogs from the World Cup.

The 2018 runners-up had fallen behind after 68 seconds on the Khalifa Worldwide Stadium when the scintillating Alphonso Davies thumped a header into the online, marking the quickest aim of the event up to now and their first within the World Cup.

However Croatia’s high quality advised because the encounter developed and with Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic pulling the strings, their intelligent passing and motion regularly took a toll on Canada, resulting in a leveller courtesy of Andrej Kramaric within the thirty sixth minute.

Marko Livaja made it 2-1 shortly earlier than half-time with a low-driven effort from the sting of the field, earlier than Kramaric doubled his tally within the seventieth minute.

Lovro Majer netted in stoppage time by way of a breakaway counter-attack as Canada continued to press for a comfort aim, wrapping up a victory that moved Croatia to the highest of Group F on 4 factors.

Pre-match confrontation

It was an particularly candy success for Croatia after Canada boss John Herdman irked Zlatko Dalic’s facet along with his profane try to encourage his gamers after a 1-0 defeat towards Belgium of their group opener.

In a tv interview, Herdman mentioned he had advised his gamers following the loss that “they belong” on the World Cup and had been “going to go and eff Croatia”.

Dalic had taken exception to Herdman’s rant, insisting on Saturday that his group deserved “respect” from their opponents.

Croatia now want solely a draw of their closing sport on Thursday towards third-placed Belgium, who’re some extent behind, to ensure a knockout spot.

Canada, in the meantime, are actually condemned to exit on the group stage after consecutive defeats of their opening two video games.

They’re additionally in motion on Thursday, when they may face Morocco, who’re stage with Croatia on 4 factors however behind on aim distinction.

The Canadians might be seeking to end their event on a excessive earlier than internet hosting the subsequent version in 2026 alongside the USA and Mexico.