Croatia and Canada met in the Khalifa International Stadium for a must win game for both teams. It was an entertaining game between two quality teams. Here’s how it went:
1st Half
Davies opened the scoring sixty eight seconds into the game. Tajon Buchanan got the ball out on the right flank and whipped in a beautiful cross that found Davies’ head. He made no mistake with his header and scored his country’s first ever goal in World Cup history.
In the 21st minute, Kovacic made an aggressive drive through the lines then played in Livaja but he couldn’t get a clean strike off and it was easily saved by Milan Borjan.
Kramarić’s equalizer was ruled offside after some great link play from the Croatians.
Livaja and Borjan met again in the 34th minute and the result was similar to the first meeting; the keeper saved.
Kramarić legally scored in the 37th minute to pull his team back in the game. Perisic played in the Hoffenheim striker and he slotted it into the bottom right corner.
In the 43rd minute, Marko Livaja got the ball on top of the 18 yard box, took a touch then rifled the ball into the bottom left corner to put his team ahead for the first time on the night.
Canada went into the locker room needing a big second half performance or else they’d crash out of the World Cup. Croatia knew what they had to do; remain solid defensively and push for the third.
2nd Half
Image Credit: REUTERS/Carl Recine/File Photo
In the 49th minute, Osorio, who came on at half time, had the first chance of the second half. His long range effort went just wide of the post.
Kramaric had a chance to score his second and his team’s third on the night after a nice run and pass by Modric but it was saved by Borjan.
Jonathon David reminded Croatia that he was still around with a lovely first time effort from outside the box which was saved by Livakovic.
In the 70th minute, Perisic beat his man then found Kramaric with a wonderful cross. He then took it down, worked it onto his left foot before finding the bottom left corner to put his team two goals up.
Kamal Miller failed to deal with a back pass and Orsic found himself through on goal. He played in Majer who slotted it into an empty net.
This victory took Croatia to the top of the group while Canada are now out of the FIFA World Cup 2022. They’ve had some good moments. But it’s a game of fine margins and they’ll use this as a learning curve for 2026.
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