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

Alphonso Davies scored Canada’s first ever World Cup purpose, but it surely was not sufficient to cease them being knocked out of the event following a defeat by Croatia.

In Group F’s earlier sport, Morocco shocked world quantity two aspect Belgium 2-0 and are second within the standings, behind 2018 finalists Croatia.

John Herdman’s outsiders scored from the sport’s first assault after solely 67 seconds courtesy of a towering header from Davies, who darted into the field and powerfully transformed from Tajon Buchanan’s cross.

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

However the former Leicester participant then equalised with a first-time angled shot from Ivan Perisic’s cross, and Marko Livaja put them forward with a rasping drive from the sting of the field.

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

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

Croatia maintain their cool

You may need anticipated the primary assembly between Croatia and Canada to be an easy affair – in reality it was something however, with a disagreement happening beforehand.

Canada’s English boss 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 seemed to stay to their phrase by scoring inside simply two minutes courtesy of star winger Davies’ large header.

It was an exquisite second for the 22-year-old to internet his nation’s first World Cup purpose, having been born in a refugee camp after his dad and mom fled civil struggle 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 underneath stress, and Kramaric’s leveller and Livaja’s beautiful 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 enjoying of their first World Cup since 1986 – seemed to discover a manner 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 Belgium on Thursday to safe a spot within the second spherical.

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