World Cup 2022: Croatia 4-1 Canada – Andrej Kramaric scores twice to ship Canada out

Croatia crushed any hopes Canada had of progressing in Qatar, with the 2018 finalists combating again after Alphonso Davies bought his nation off to a flying begin by scoring their first ever World Cup purpose.

Croatia didn’t panic after falling behind, although, and created quite a few probabilities, with striker Andrej Kramaric seeing a purpose dominated out for offside.

The previous Leicester participant did equalise when he discovered the web with a first-time angled shot from Ivan Perisic’s go, and Marko Livaja put Croatia forward with a rasping drive from the sting of the field.

Kramaric was denied by Milan Borjan’s fantastic save within the second half, and on the different finish, Dominik Livakovic acrobatically tipped over Jonathan David’s long-range roller.

Hoffenheim frontman Kramaric bought his second of the sport by coolly changing into the far nook, and substitute Lovro Majer wrapped up the match by netting in damage time.

Canada could have scored a purpose, however they’re nonetheless ready for his or her first level in a World Cup group match and now can not qualify for the final 16.

Croatia maintain their cool

You may need anticipated the primary assembly between Croatia and Canada to be an easy affair – actually it was something however, with a confrontation going down beforehand.

Canada’s English boss John Herdman mentioned earlier than the sport they might “eff Croatia”, with opposition supervisor Zlatko Dalic responding by saying that was not a “signal of respect”.

As soon as on the pitch, Canada regarded to stay to their phrase by scoring inside simply two minutes courtesy of star winger Davies’ great header.

It was a beautiful second for the 22-year-old to web his nation’s first World Cup purpose, having been born in a refugee camp after his dad and mom fled civil warfare in Liberia and moved to Canada when he was 5.

However the pleasure and enthusiasm of youth turned to despair towards a wily Croatia who’ve huge expertise and stored their cool to hit again.

They put a ragged Canada backline beneath strain, and Kramaric’s leveller and Livaja’s pretty strike on the stroke of half-time turned the sport round.

Jonathan Osorio struck inches large shortly after approaching as a second-half substitute as Canada – who’re taking part in of their first World Cup since 1986 – regarded to discover a means again into the sport.

However Kramaric struck once more from a second Perisic help, gloriously taking down the cross and stroking in, earlier than Majer punished Kamal Miller’s horrible mistake as Croatia ended up snug winners.

They’ve now misplaced simply as soon as of their final 18 outings, and should face world quantity two facet Belgium on Thursday to safe a spot within the subsequent spherical.

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