THE Croatia beat Canada 4-1 on Sunday at Khalifa International Stadium in the second round of the group stage of the world Cup in Qatar. With the triumph, the Croatians took the lead in Group F, while the Canadians no longer have a chance of qualifying for the knockout stage.

Canada got off to a better start, opening the scoring early on with Alphonso Davies by a header. It was even Canada’s first goal in an edition of the World Cup in history.

However, Croatia grew in the game and turned things around with ease, with goals from Kramaric (twice), Livaja and Majer. Coach Zlatko Dalic’s side bounced back after drawing 0-0 with Morocco in their Cup opener.

At the end of the second round, Croatia took the lead in Group F, with four points. Morocco is just behind with the same score but with less goal difference (3-2 for the Croats).

Belgium are in third place, with three points, while Canada are bottom of the pack, with two defeats in the tournament. The Canadians no longer have any chance of qualifying for the round of 16.

In the last round of the group stage, Croatia will face Belgium on Thursday, at 12:00 (Brasilia time). On the same day and at the same time, Morocco faces the Canadian team.

First time

Canada started the game with everything, opening the scoring after two minutes. In a well-armed counterattack, Buchanan crossed for Alphonso Davies to head into the back of the net, much to the delight of the Canadians.

After the goal, Croatia gradually rehabilitated themselves in the game. At 25 minutes, Kramaric equalized, but there was an impediment at the origin of the movement, signaled by the linesman.

In the 35th minute, Livaja was in danger, finishing ahead of goalkeeper Borjan, who closed the angle well. But soon after, finally, the Croats reached a draw, with Kramaric. The striker received a through pass from Perisic and finished without any chances for the Croatian archer.

Croatia’s turnaround came in the first leg, with Livaja. Juranovic made a nice move, sending the ball inside and serving the 29-year-old, who finished in Borjan’s corner.

Second time

Seeking to chase the damage, the Canadians started the second leg on top and nearly equalized in the opening minutes of the match. Jonathan Osorio, who entered the break, finished from outside the box and the ball missed Livakovic’s goal.

At 10 minutes, however, Croatia again had a great chance. In lateral play, Modric served Kramaric, who alone at the entrance to the surface, ended on a beautiful save from Borjan.

Croácio’s third goal came in the 25th minute, again with Kramaric. The striker received the cross from Perisic, dominated by removing it from the marker and finished in the corner, with category.

The Croats nearly overturned the win with 10 minutes to go but Borjan dodged it, defending Kovacic’s shot into the penalty area. However, when Kamal Miller blatantly failed in stoppage time, Orsic fired alone and served only Majer, who filled the net at the Khalifa International Stadium, cementing the triumph for Croatia.

DATA SHEET

CROATIA 4 X 1 CANADA

Square: Khalifa International Stadium in Doha (CAT)

Date: November 27, 2022 (Sunday)

Time: 1 p.m. (from Brasilia)

Arbitrator: Andres Matonte (URU)

Assistants: Nicolás Taran (URU) and Martín Soppi (URU)

VAR: Mauro Vigliano (ARG)

Yellow cards: Buchanan and Kamal Miller (Canada); Lovren and Modric (Croatia)

GOALS:

Canada: Alphono Davies (2 minutes from Q1)

Croatia: Kramaric (25 minutes Q1 and 25 minutes Q2), Livaja (44 minutes Q1) and Majer (49 minutes Q2)

CROATIA: Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol and Borna Sosa; Modric (Pasalic), Brozovic and Kovacic (Majer); Livaja (Bruno Petkovic), Kramaric (Vlasic) and Perisic (Orsic)

Technician: Zlatko Dalic

CANADA: Borjan; Johnston, Victoria and Miller; Laryea (Hoillet), Hutchinson (Adekugbe), Eustace (Koné) and Alphonso Davies; Buchanan, Jonathan David (Cavallini) and Larin (Osorio)

Technician: John Herdman