The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/web/20221219131459/https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/croatia-canada-score-world-cup-2022/9qm7q0NsLr14/

Advertisement

World Cup, Group Stage - Group F - Matchweek 2
4
Sun Nov 27
Full Time
1
A. Kramarić 36'
M. Livaja 44'
A. Kramarić 70'
L. Majer 90'+4'
A. Davies 2'

World Cup result: How Croatia eliminated Canada with a 4-1 win in Group F play

Jeff Rueter
November 27, 2022 at 2:11 PM EST
World Cup result: How Croatia eliminated Canada with a 4-1 win in Group F play

Welcome to The Athletic's live blog for the game between Croatia and Canada.

After a war of words in the build-up, it took only 68 seconds for Alphonso Davies to score Canada's first ever World Cup goal with a brilliant header.

Then, 36 minutes in, Andrej Kramaric equalised from a tight angle after having an earlier game ruled out for offside. Marko Livaja, who replaced Nikola Vlasic for this match, then added a second from just outside the area before half-time.

Kramaric and Majer added second-half goals to add gloss to the scoreline.

Earlier, Morocco beat Belgium 2-0 in the other game in Group F.

Background reading:

(Photo: ANTONIN THUILLIER/AFP via Getty Images)

Advertisement

November 27, 2022 at 1:21 PM EST

Croatia ----, Canada one

Very good from The Athletic's social media team.

Jacob Whitehead
Jacob Whitehead

November 27, 2022 at 1:13 PM EST

Next up: Spain vs Germany

The big one. Germany playing to keep their hopes alive - though they were helped out majorly by Japan's loss to Costa Rica.

The teams are out, and you can follow it live here.

Jacob Whitehead
Jacob Whitehead

November 27, 2022 at 1:04 PM EST

Player of the match — Andrej Kramaric

Player of the match — Andrej Kramaric

Mateo Kovacic probably had a more perfect game — his first-half was almost flawless. But for narrative, this award is going to go to Andrej Kramaric. The Hoffenheim forward has had a difficult few days.

Blamed for much of Croatia’s insipid attacking performance against Morocco, the pressure was squarely on the 31-year-old’s shoulders, playing out wide to facilitate Hajduk Split’s Livaja. He might have wilted after having an equaliser ruled out for offside, but provided a fine finish from the left to draw Croatia level. Livaja equalised soon after, and Kramaric might have added early in the second-half.

However, the golden moment came in the 70th minute, when he collected a raking cross-field pass, touched it inside, and finished low across the keeper. A beautiful goal. Clinical edge restored. A hat-trick almost came moments later.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Jacob Whitehead
Jacob Whitehead
Croatia vs Canada result: 4-1 loss sends Canada out of the World Cup

GO FURTHER

Croatia vs Canada result: 4-1 loss sends Canada out of the World Cup

November 27, 2022 at 1:02 PM EST

Thank you Canada

Despite two losses, they've really enhanced the competition. Roll on hosting in 2026.

Jacob Whitehead
Jacob Whitehead

November 27, 2022 at 12:58 PM EST

FINAL: 4-1 Croatia

FINAL: 4-1 Croatia

Despite scoring early today, Canada is eliminated from the 2022 World Cup with a game to go. They'll look to thwart Morocco's quest to advance to the knockouts in their finale on Thursday.

Croatia scores four, more than they managed in any match of their run to the 2018 World Cup final. They sit atop Group F, level on points with Morocco but up by a single goal in the GD category. Belgium is third with three points, most likely needing to beat Croatia to advance.

(Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

Jeff Rueter
Jeff Rueter·
Staff Writer, MLS

Advertisement

November 27, 2022 at 12:57 PM EST

4-1; Canada's on ice

Back to hockey for the North American nation, as a Kamal Miller flub leaves Croatia with a two-man break against Milan Borjan and zero defenders.

Oršić does most of the dribbling, then squares it to Lovro Majer for the finish — which the late substitution nearly skied but luckily rattled the roof of the net.

Jeff Rueter
Jeff Rueter·
Staff Writer, MLS

November 27, 2022 at 12:47 PM EST

Croatia won't leave unscathed

You know that move from the old Super Smash Bros 64, where Donkey Kong could grab an opponent on his back and walk off the edge to take a life from each player? Kamal Miller does something of the sort on Canada's way out of the World Cup, getting into a quarrel with Luka Modric which results in both players seeing a yellow card.

Modric will have to keep a clean nose against Belgium, or else he'll risk suspension. Players are suspended for a match for acquiring two yellow cards between the group stage opener and the quarterfinal. It seems a bit harsh, if you ask me, but alas.

Jeff Rueter
Jeff Rueter·
Staff Writer, MLS

November 27, 2022 at 12:43 PM EST

F for forlorn

F for forlorn

Wind fully out of Canada's sails now. The usually-confident side have been undone by poor decisions going forward and lax defending at the back. Canadian fans are mostly silent; they seem to know that this spells the end for their country's first World Cup in a generation.

(Photo: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Alexander Abnos
Alexander Abnos·
Deputy Managing Editor, US Soccer

November 27, 2022 at 12:42 PM EST

Found our favorite

Found our favorite

When Group F was drawn, there were two clear favorites to advance. While Belgium struggled to get past Canada and fell to a capable Moroccan side, Croatia has flexed its muscles as it appears to have knocked Canada out after 180 minutes.

Looks like a team that'll have a large role to play in the knockouts.

(Photo: Youssef Loulidi/Fantasista/Getty Images)

Jeff Rueter
Jeff Rueter·
Staff Writer, MLS

November 27, 2022 at 12:34 PM EST

SUBS

Jonathan David's day is done after having a mixed impact on Canada's attacking aims. He's replaced by Lucas Cavalini, while Atiba Hutchinson exits for Sam Adekugbe.

Meanwhile, goalscorer Kramaric exits to loud ovation and is replaced by Torino's Nikola Vlašić as they look to close the game out. Earlier in the half, Bruno Petkovic checked in for the other Croatian goalscorer, Marko Livaja.

Jeff Rueter
Jeff Rueter·
Staff Writer, MLS

Advertisement

November 27, 2022 at 12:32 PM EST

Croatia makes it three

Andrej Kramarić makes it a brace. Canada's defense caught absolutely sound asleep in the box, allowing the Hoffenheim striker to collect the ball, calmly slide it onto his left foot, and then pass between Atiba Hutchinson's legs and beyond Milan Borjan.

Way too easy. Far too casual of defending — and now, Canada is 20 minutes away from being eliminated from knockout contention.

Jeff Rueter
Jeff Rueter·
Staff Writer, MLS

November 27, 2022 at 12:28 PM EST

Are Canada tiring?

Just losing a bit of zip in midfield here after a frantic first-half. Croatia's substitutes feel more up with the speed of the game.

Jacob Whitehead
Jacob Whitehead

November 27, 2022 at 12:23 PM EST

SUB Canada

Junior Hoilett checks in for Canada, replacing Richie Laryea.

Another change in approach from John Herdmann, taking dribbly boi Laryea off for more of a dead-ball technician like Hoilett.

Jeff Rueter
Jeff Rueter·
Staff Writer, MLS

November 27, 2022 at 12:20 PM EST

Hope they omitted the applicator

Atiba Hutchison receives treatment from Canada's medical staff on the sideline, and is now playing with what appears to be a tampon up his nose.

Alexander Abnos
Alexander Abnos·
Deputy Managing Editor, US Soccer

November 27, 2022 at 12:17 PM EST

BETTER from Canada

On the latest counter, Canada seems to remember the rest of its stars. Bad Bunny look-alike Jonathan Osorio progressed into the area before sending it wide for Tajon Buchanan. Rather than crossing, the Brugge man sent it to Jonathan David, whose shot was parried over the bar.

Jeff Rueter
Jeff Rueter·
Staff Writer, MLS

Advertisement

November 27, 2022 at 12:15 PM EST

Same issues as last match?

At this stage, it looks as though Canada is attaching all of its hopes to Alphonso Davies. In the 53rd minute, the Reds were able to get some good interplay toward the box, but Richie Laryea backtracked from a cross and forced a ball to Davies, whose attempt to send the ball into the mixer was easily blocked to spring a Croatian counter.

Milan Borjan makes a save on the other end. Canada's attack is too talented to be forcing play through one player like this.

Jeff Rueter
Jeff Rueter·
Staff Writer, MLS

November 27, 2022 at 12:06 PM EST

SUBS

While Sam Stejskal called for Atiba Hutchinson to possibly get a hook, it looks like Porto regular Stephen Eustáquio and striker Cyle Larin are coming off for the second half. Jonathan Osorio and Ismaël Koné come in. Osorio is a stabilizer in midfield, while Koné will add greater variety to the attack.

Jeff Rueter
Jeff Rueter·
Staff Writer, MLS

November 27, 2022 at 11:59 AM EST

Not that Canada fans want to see this, but...

Should be visible in North America

Jeff Rueter
Jeff Rueter·
Staff Writer, MLS

November 27, 2022 at 11:56 AM EST

What, it wasn't brisk enough?

The pitch is going to run quick in the second half.

Adam Leventhal
Adam Leventhal·
Host of The Athletic Football Podcast and World Cup Radar

November 27, 2022 at 11:54 AM EST

Kovacic running the show for Croatia

Kovacic running the show for Croatia

We're used to Luka Modric running the show, but Mateo Kovacic has been brilliant.

100 per cent pass accuracy (after 30 passes), more tackles (4), possession won (7), duels won (5) and chances created (2) than any other player on the pitch.

(Photo: Youssef Loulidi/Fantasista/Getty Images)

Jacob Whitehead
Jacob Whitehead
Load more updates

Team Stats

CRO

logo
logo

CAN

13

Shots

8

10

Shots on Target

2

12

Chances Created

5

5

Corners

2

1

Saves

6

48.2%

Possession

51.8%

1

Offsides

3

13

Fouls

5

2

Yellow Cards

2

0

Red Cards

0

World Cup Standings
Full Standings
Group F

Game Details

Location
Khalifa International Stadium
Officials
Andrés Matonte (referee)
Nicolás Taran (assistant)
Martín Soppi (assistant)
Kevin Ortega (fourth)