ALRAYAN, Qatar—Croatia bounced back strong to beat Canada in their first World Cup in 36 years.
The 2018 runners-up scored two goals from Andrei Kramaric in a 4–1 win over the Canadian side, who were eliminated after two games in Qatar.
Alphonso Davies scored Canada’s first ever World Cup goal in the first minute of the game, but Croatia’s Marko Livaja and Lovro opened with a goalless draw against Morocco after losing to France in the final in Russia four years ago. Majer also scored a goal.
Croatia’s midfield captain Luka Modrić, 37, is still looking for his first goal in what will be his final World Cup competition.
Croatia and Morocco caused another upset in this year’s tournament by beating Belgium 2-0 on Sunday, but both have four points in Group F.
However, Canada failed to pick up a point in their first two games and are hopeless against Morocco in Thursday’s final match. Croatia and Belgium play at the same time.
The Bayern Munich forward headed a cross from Tajon Buchanan just 1:08 from goalkeeper Dominik Rybakovic’s reach. Canadian fans in red shirts chanted “Can-a-da!” at the goal. Canada! ” at the Khalifa International Stadium.
“I am disappointed with the result,” said Davis, who saved a penalty in the first game against Belgium. I hope I can get the
Kramarić appeared to score another goal for Croatia in the 26th minute, but was ruled offside. His second chance counted after about ten minutes, making it 1–1.
Livaja put Croatia ahead with an explosion from outside the penalty box in the 44th minute, Kramaric added a second in the 70th minute and Mayer scored in stoppage time.
Canada started the tournament with a 1-0 loss to Belgium. Coach John Hardman then caused a bit of controversy in his post-game message to his players when he used the first letter of profanity to explain how to beat Croatia.
In response, the Croatian coach hit back at his English counterpart the day before the match.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said: “To string words together like this is not a sign of respect.” is the reason why it deserves respect.”
Canada were also eliminated in the group stage of the only team in the 1986 World Cup.
Ann M. Peterson
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