Andrej Kramaric scored a fine brace as Croatia overcame an early deficit to knock Canada out of the World Cup at Khalifa International Stadium on Sunday night.
Alphonso Davies gave the North American nation a dream start with a forceful header from Tajon Buchanan’s cross from the right wing with just 68 seconds to play.
Croatia turns around
However, Croatia calmed their nerves and grew in the game dominating possession with Kramaric restoring parity in the 36th minute after a fine cross down the left wing from Ivan Perisic. The Hoffenheim midfielder had a goal disallowed for offside.
Right on the stroke of halftime, Marko Livaja gave the 2018 World Cup runners-up a well-deserved lead with a blunt shot from the edge of the penalty area. Canada looked second best on the pitch and Davies’ opener was a thing of the past.
Both teams had chances to score after the break, but the gulf in class was clear between the two sides. It was not a surprise that the Croats had most of the ball, which made the Canadians work extremely hard without the ball.
Kramaric scored his second of the night in the 70th minute, once again after being loaned out by Perisic. It was the 31-year-old’s last contribution to the game, being replaced by Torino midfielder Nikola Vlasic.
Lovro Majer completed the rout in the 94th minute after Canadian defender Kamal Miller messed up his lines. Substitute Mislav Orsic controlled the loose ball and, with only the goalkeeper to beat, put it into the path of Majer, who scored with aplomb.
Pre-match controversy answered
Much of the pre-game conversation centered on Canada head coach John Herdman’s controversial statement after their 1-0 loss to Belgium in their opener: “I told (the players) they belong here. . And we’re going to fuck in Croatia. That’s as simple as it sounds.”
Croatian media outlet ’24 Sata’ responded by saying: “You have a great tongue, but do you have the balls?”
Croatia currently top Group F on goal difference with 4 points, the same as Morocco, who stunned Belgium 2-0 earlier in the day.
The Croats will face Belgium in their final group game on Thursday, the latter needing a win to qualify for the round of 16.
Photo Credit: IMAGO/Pro Sports Images
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