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Croatia vs Canada LIVE: World Cup 2022 result, final score and reaction as Alphonso Davies and co are knocked out

Alphonso Davies netted Canada’s first goal at a men’s World Cup but it was Croatia, spearheaded by a brace from Andrej Kramaric, who came away with an impressive 4-1 Group F win on Sunday that ended any hope of the North Americans advancing while keeping their own alive.

After Davies had scored with a bullet header just over a minute into play, Croatia showed their class with Kramaric levelling in the 36th minute and Marko Livaja putting the 2018 finalists ahead just before the break.

Croatia got two more after the break, with Kramaric getting his second in the 70th minute and Lovro Majer scoring in stoppage time.

Croatia join Morocco at the top of the Group F standings on four points and now need only a draw in their final game against Belgium to progress. Canada, in the World Cup for just the second time, are bottom of the table and still looking for their first ever win.

Follow all the action with our live blog below:

Croatia vs Canada

  • FULL-TIME: Canada exit World Cup as Croatia secure 4-1 victory in Group F

  • 90+4’ GOAL! Majer gets on scoresheet in cruel late blow for Canada (CRO 4-1 CAN)

  • 70’ GOAL! Kramaric adds second with another brilliant finish (CRO 3-1 CAN)

  • 44’ GOAL! Livaja grabs Croatia’s second to put them in front (CRO 2-1 CAN)

  • 37’ GOAL! Kramaric caps off neat move as Croatia equalise (CRO 1-1 CAN)

  • 26’ NO GOAL! Kramaric rolls home a finish but flag is up for offside (CRO 0-1 CAN)

  • 2’ GOAL! Davies powers in header to give Canada dream start (CRO 0-1 CAN)

  • Morocco shock Belgium 2-0 to blow Group F wide open

Croatia fight back to win as Canada entertain again but exit World Cup early

18:02 , Jamie Braidwood

Report by Karl Matchett

Another World Cup day, another World Cup moment of history. Just 90 seconds after kick-off, Canada had their first-ever goal at a finals, Alphonso Davies had his moment of redemption and the Qatar tournament had its earliest goal in any game.

The best side in Concacaf qualifying had shown their qualities in the opener against Belgium without earning reward - mostly due to Davies seeing a penalty saved, but with profligacy elsewhere too.

This time the fast start brought the best reward of all, but despite those opening scenes of jubilation and pride, promise and potential, Canada are out.

Croatia fight back to win as Canada entertain again but exit World Cup early

FULL TIME! Croatia 4-1 Canada

17:57 , Jamie Braidwood

Canada are out! They scored a historic goal but Croatia’s supreme comeback means they are just the second team to exit the tournament, along with Qatar. That was a classy response from Croatia, who claim a big win and will go into their deciding fixture against Belgium full on confidence.

GOAL! Canada 4-1 Croatia (Majer 90+4’)

17:54 , Jamie Braidwood

It’s cruel on Canada, but you can’t argue that Croatia don’t deserve four. It comes after a terrible mistake from the Canada defender Miller. It leads to the two-on-one and the move is finished off by Lovro Majer.

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:54 , Jamie Braidwood

90+3 mins: Close! Davies’ goal for Canada was their standout moment here, and will be what they take away from their first World Cup since 1986, but Hoilett goes close to adding a second with a dipping volley that goes wide.

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:51 , Jamie Braidwood

90 mins: We’re into six minutes of added time but this match was pretty much over when Kramaric struck for his second.

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:50 , Jamie Braidwood

88 mins: It will be a shame to see Canada go. They have brought more to the World Cup than most teams and entertained here again today, but they have also been found out at times as being a bit naive.

They will be among the World Cup hosts in four years’ time and this experience will help them, no doubt about that.

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:48 , Jamie Braidwood

87 mins: Three late changes for Croatia with Pasalic, Orsic and Majer come on. Modric, Kovacic and Perisic are removed and wrapped in cotton wool.

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:45 , Jamie Braidwood

84 mins: Modric picks up a yellow card after getting in a tangle with Miller. That could come back to haunt Croatia later in the tournament...

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:45 , Jamie Braidwood

82 mins: Davies is still trying his best to get Canada back into this. He twists and turns away from Gvardiol, but then Hoilett passes straight out.

Spain vs Germany team news

17:44 , Alex Pattle

And here is Germany’s XI to play Spain:

Neuer; Sule, Rudiger, Kehrer, Raum; Kimmich, Goretzka, Gundogan; Musiala, Muller, Gnabry.

Two changes for the Germans, with Kehrer and Goretzka starting.

Spain vs Germany team news

17:43 , Alex Pattle

Here is Spain’s XI to play Germany, in the last game of the day:

Simon; Carvajal, Rodri, Laporte, Alba; Busquets, Gavi, Pedri; Asensio, Olmo, Torres.

One change made by Luis Enrique, with Carvajal in for Azpilicueta.

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:39 , Jamie Braidwood

78 mins: SAVE! So, so close to four for Croatia. Perisic skips past Johnston down the left and then cuts it back to Kovacic. The goal is gaping but he picks the pass to his right, and Brozovic is denied by Borjan.

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:37 , Jamie Braidwood

75 mins: Croatia look so comfortable now. They are so experienced on this stage, and you can tell Canada are the complete opposite.

What a match Croatia vs Belgium looks to be now. On the evidence of today, Croatia are clear favourites and would knock Belgium out with a win.

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:33 , Jamie Braidwood

71 mins: Kramaric is then inches away from sliding in to score Croatia’s fourth, but the driven ball across goal goes all the way through.

Kramaric is then brought off for Nikola Vlasic, so there will be no first hat trick of the World Cup here.

GOAL! Croatia 3-1 Canada (Kramaric 70’)

17:31 , Jamie Braidwood

Devastating for Canada, but what a finish this is! Kramaric adds his second and Canada as it stands are heading out of the World Cup. The striker brings down a crossfield pass, cuts inside Miller and fires a brilliant shot across goal and into the net off his left foot.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:29 , Jamie Braidwood

68 mins: Ooof. Davies looked in but David wasn’t able to slide him through. Then, Kovacic dances through midfield but his slipped ball to Kramaric bobbles into Borjan’s grasp.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:28 , Jamie Braidwood

66 mins: Canada might now be on top, you know. Kone has helped their balance in midfield and the change of system from John Herdman has helped Canada take more control.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:24 , Jamie Braidwood

63 mins: ... but Davies takes aim at goal from a wide angle and hits the wall. Still, Canada are getting joy with Davies now in a more advanced position.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:23 , Jamie Braidwood

62 mins: Davies turns Gvardiol on the edge of the box and the Croatia defender hauls him to the turf. Chance coming up for Canada to swing the ball into the box...

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:21 , Jamie Braidwood

60 mins: Change for Croatia: Petkovic replaces goalscorer Lavaja in a straight swap for Croatia.

Junior Hoilett is coming on for Canada.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:20 , Jamie Braidwood

59 mins: Canada have come out stronger after steadying at the half-time interval. There’s certainly a lot more threat, but they will have to take more chances as the game goes on.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:18 , Jamie Braidwood

58 mins: Let off for Canada! Borjan plays it straight out to Perisic, whose shot goes straight at the goalkeeper!

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:17 , Jamie Braidwood

55 mins: SAVE! And now a flying stop at the other end! David whips a dangerous shot from the edge of the box and Livakovic, unsure if it was dipping in or not, tips over the crossbar.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:15 , Jamie Braidwood

53 mins: SAVE! How crucial could this be for Canada?! Croatia should be out of sight. It’s another slick move from Croatia, the midfield cutting through Canada. Modric cuts it back to Kramaric but his shot is palmed away by Borjan!

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:12 , Jamie Braidwood

50 mins: Sosa whips in a dangerous cross and Perisic is not far away at all. Borjan spills the cross but did not look comfortable.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:11 , Jamie Braidwood

49 mins: Those changes should result in Davies being pushed up higher for Canada. He is now partnering David in attack.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:09 , Jamie Braidwood

48 mins: Close! Almost an immediate impact from Osorio! He takes a touch out of his feet and whistles a shot past the far post!

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:07 , Jamie Braidwood

Back underway! A huge half coming up for Canada, who have made two changes with Jonathan Osorio and Ismael Kone coming on for Larin and Eustáquio.

HALF TIME! Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:00 , Jamie Braidwood

What an impact Marko Livaja has had, too.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

HALF TIME! Croatia 2-1 Canada

16:57 , Jamie Braidwood

It may seem harsh - as they have been one of the more impressive and ambitious teams at the World Cup - but Canada are currently 45 minutes away from being knocked out of the World Cup.

Huge half coming up.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

HALF TIME! Croatia 2-1 Canada

16:50 , Jamie Braidwood

A brilliant half of football - one of the best of the World Cup so far. Canada made a stunning start with Davies scoring after a minute. But then Croatia showed their class. The usual suspects, Modric, Kovacic and Brozovic took over in midfield, and Kramaric and Lavaja supplied the clinical moments of finishing to turn the match around within eight minutes.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

16:50 , Jamie Braidwood

45 +5 mins: And again! Kovacic plays in Kramaric but Miller is able to cut out the cross to the back post. Canada clinging on.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

16:49 , Jamie Braidwood

45+4 mins: This has been a supreme turnaround from Croatia - who almost get through again just before half time.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

16:47 , Jamie Braidwood

45 mins: Well, Canada needed to get into half time level, but they haven’t managed to do it. There will be five minutes added on and Croatia are threatening for more. Kramaric fires over from outside of the box and now Canada just need to get in with a one-goal margin.

GOAL! Croatia 2-1 Canada (Livaja 44’)

16:44 , Jamie Braidwood

Another outstanding finish from a Croatia striker! The 2018 finalists have shown their class to turn it around. After Juranovic made a bursting run inside, the ball is worked through to Livaja, who takes a touch and drills a brilliant, cutting strike inside Borjan’s near post. Lovely goal.

Croatia 1-1 Canada

16:41 , Jamie Braidwood

41 mins: There’s a stoppage as Stephen Eustáquio gets some treatment - but the Porto midfielder is able to continue.

Croatia 1-1 Canada

16:40 , Jamie Braidwood

39 mins: Croatia look through again as Kramaric rides the challenge of Vitoria - but Canada have enough back to clear.

It feels like Canada just need to get into half time at this point.

GOAL! Croatia 1-1 Canada (Kramaric 37’)

16:36 , Jamie Braidwood

It was coming, and there’s the equaliser! It’s a great finish from Kramaric, who tucks a finish across Borjan and inside the far post from a tight angle. It had been brilliantly set up by Perisic with a lovely reverse pass through the legs of Johnston. Canada had been unable to clear but credit to Croatia for staying calm and building the pressure.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:35 , Jamie Braidwood

33 mins: An uncomfortable moment for Canada as the ball drops to Modric in the box. The midfielder is unable to create any room but Canada can’t clear. The pressure continues as it’s worked out to Perisic. Kovacic springs forward and slips in Livaja, but Borjan saves at his near post!

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:32 , Jamie Braidwood

31 mins: The cross from Davies is then headed away by Lovren. Croatia fly forward and for a moment, Perisic looks in. But Buchanan covers well and Canada win it back.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:31 , Jamie Braidwood

29 mins: Davies is then able to make some room as he turns Lovren - an arm comes across Davies and a foul to Canada is awarded.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:30 , Jamie Braidwood

28 mins: Modric joins in the Croatia press but Canada are able to play out from the back. David’s touch takes him out of play, though. The Lille forward has been quiet so far.

NO GOAL! Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:26 , Jamie Braidwood

25 mins: Croatia have the ball in the net - but the flag is up!

It’s a lovely move from Croatia, with Modric flicking a pass through to set up the counter-attack. Livaja then threads it forward to Kramaric, who tucks a finish past Borjan - but the initial pass into Livaja was offside.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:24 , Jamie Braidwood

23 mins: Magic from Davies to skip away from Brozovic with a nutmeg. Canada are enjoying themselves.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:22 , Jamie Braidwood

22 mins: Close! Great play from Kovacic who ghosts past Hutchinson in midfield. He threads it into Kramaric but the forward is unable to turn or get a shot away.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:21 , Jamie Braidwood

20 mins: Juranovic is having a nightmare against Davies! Modric’s loose touch (yes, Modric’s loose touch) leads to a Canada break and Davies bursts past the full-back on the wing. His pass inside goes between Larin and David, and Canada clear.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:19 , Jamie Braidwood

18 mins: Almost! Buchanan has made a great start out on the Canada right. He was thrilling against Belgium too with his runs inside and almost combines with Larin. Croatia clear but Juranovic heads over a deep cross to gift Canada a corner.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:17 , Jamie Braidwood

16 mins: Croatia are moving the ball quite sharply. Borjan flaps at a cross from Sosa and Perisic is almost played in on the return.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:15 , Jamie Braidwood

14 mins: Canada do clear and are able to settle. John Herdman’s side move the ball well as Laryea finds Davies with a clever pass inside. Croatia are able to push Davies away from goal and win it back.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:12 , Jamie Braidwood

12 min: Croatia go short but Canada are unable to clear completely. Eustaquio hacks away as Croatia stay on the front foot.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:11 , Jamie Braidwood

10 mins: Perisic gets his first couple of opportunities out on the left. He beats Johnston the first time, hanging a cross to no one at the back post, before Johnston deflects the second out for a corner.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:09 , Jamie Braidwood

7 mins: Of course, Croatia are better than most at cutting teams open with the ball, with Modric and Kovacic in midfield.

But Canada are threatening! Buchanan rampages down the right before Larin gets caught well offside, as he is denied by Livakovic.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:07 , Jamie Braidwood

5 mins: That sets up Canada perfectly too - who can drop off into their shape and attack Croatia on the counter-attack.

Croatia look to build themselves into it. Kramaric’s cross is deflected but Borjan collects, using the crossbar to help him.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:05 , Jamie Braidwood

3 mins: That’s an incredible moment for Davies - who of course missed that important penalty against Belgium.

And what a start to this game. So many matches at this World Cup have been goalless at half time, but this has exploded into life!

GOAL! Croatia 0-1 Canada (DAVIES 2’)

16:01 , Jamie Braidwood

GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!!!!

What a start! What a header! And it’s Davies who is the scorer!

What a moment for Canada - their first ever World Cup goal!

Buchanan swings in a brilliant cross and Davies arrives just in time to power a header into the net!

AMAZING!

Croatia 0-0 Canada

16:01 , Jamie Braidwood

1 min: Croatia have lined up with Kramaric on the right and Lavaja, who is the only change from their opening team, through the middle.

Kick-off! Croatia 0-0 Canada

16:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Underway at the Khalifa International Stadium! After Morocco’s win over Belgium, is another Group F shock on the cards?

Let’s find out.

Croatia vs Canada

15:56 , Jamie Braidwood

What a sporting day this could be for Canada, who have just won the Davis Cup in tennis for the first time!

Croatia vs Canada

15:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Can Alphonso Davies instead keep Canada’s World Cup hopes alive? His penalty miss proved crucial in the opening defeat to Belgium - and the Bayern Munich star will be keen to make ammends this afternoon.

Anthems next.

Croatia vs Canada

15:53 , Jamie Braidwood

The teams are in the tunnel! Kick-off coming up.

Croatia vs Canada

15:52 , Jamie Braidwood

How key will Luake Modric again be for Croatia today?

The Real Madrid maestro was left frustrated in Croatia’s opening game, with his team-mates being unable to get on the end of some of his passes and to take their chances.

Today’s match feels like a classic World Cup occassion where he makes the difference.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Croatia vs Canada

15:44 , Jamie Braidwood

Zlatko Dalic was keen not to look back on Croatia’s run to the 2018 World Cup final when he spoke to reporters following the opening draw against Morocco at Al Bayt Stadium, with the need to move forward a repeated refrain.

“Four and a half years have passed and Croatia has almost a whole new national team ... we cannot draw comparisons between the two generations of players,” he said.

“This is another World Cup we have prepared. We know we are good, we know we can do it. We are prepared to fight on.”

Croatia vs Canada

15:29 , Jamie Braidwood

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic called for “respect” after Canada manager John Herdman was overheard telling his team to “go and ‘eff’ Croatia” before today’s World Cup clash.

The comments have caused a stir ahead of today’s Group F fixture and Dalic said: “The Croatia team deserves respect from everyone. We have proven that by the way we have played and our conduct during the World Cup.

"We are the runners-up, second in the world. We respect everyone equally so we expect our opposing teams to respect us. This way of putting words together is not a sign of respect."

Croatia vs Canada

15:15 , Jamie Braidwood

John Herdman believes his Canada side proved they belong at the World Cup after they outshone Belgium only to slip to a narrow defeat.

Playing in their first World Cup in 36 years, Canada more than held their own and Herdman said: “They showed tonight that they do belong here.

“It has been a long time since we have been back, our fans were football fans, they really tried to own the stadium tonight.

“They (the fans) walked away proud I’m sure, proud and feeling like we are a footballing nation. We came into the game with a couple of goals, the first was to play fearless and the second goal was to entertain.

“We had some other goals – to create some firsts, but we never got to those moments. I think at times it was one pass too many around the box. I’m not going to criticise them because when you outshoot Belgium I can’t complain too much.

“Sometimes it is your night and sometimes it is not. They made a commitment to themselves before they went out there tonight.”

Morocco stun sorry Belgium to ignite hopes of World Cup history

15:11 , Jamie Braidwood

By Ben Burrows at the Thumama Stadium

“No chance” was Kevin De Bruyne’s blunt assessment when discussing Belgium’s likelihood of success at this World Cup in the build-up to it and after collapsing to a stunning defeat at the hands of Morocco here in Qatar, it’s hard to argue with the Manchester City midfielder’s so famously impeccable vision.

Manager Roberto Martinez described the opening display in the narrowest of wins over Canada as “technically the worst” of his six-year tenure in charge but with even the faintest of faint glimpses of the quality this side used to light up Russia four years ago utterly absent for this second outing, you suspect he may have a new low bar.

Morocco stun sorry Belgium to ignite hopes of World Cup history

Croatia vs Canada

15:02 , Jamie Braidwood

Here are the Group F standings

1) Morocco - 4 points

2) Belgium - 3 points

3) Croatia - 1 point

4) Canada - 0 points

Croatia vs Canada:

15:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Incredible. Huge result in Group F as Morocco have BEATEN Belgium 2-0.

It blows the group wide open, but does not change anything ahead of this afternoon’s match.

Canada will still be knocked out if they lose to Croatia, who cannot qualify today.

Belgium vs Morocco LIVE: World Cup 2022 latest updates

Croatia vs Canada: Team news!

14:56 , Jamie Braidwood

Both teams have made one change from their opening game as Croatia and Canada search for their first win of the World Cup.

Marko Livaja starts ahead of Nikola Vlasic for Croatia while Canada bring in Cyle Larin for Junior Hoilett.

Croatia: Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Livaja, Kramaric, Perisic

Canada: Borjan; Johnston, Vitoria, Miller; Laryea, Hutchinson, Eustaquio, Davies; Buchanan, Larin; David

Croatia vs Canada

14:52 , Jamie Braidwood

Sometimes the scoreline simply does not tell the whole story. Semi-finalists in 2018, the top-ranked team in the world for more than three years, Belgium duly beat a Canada side absent from this stage since 1986. Most expected them to; just not like this.

Because Belgium were dismal in victory, Canada marvellous in defeat.

They were denied by moments of brilliance in either penalty box, whether Michy Batshuayi’s wonderful winner or Thibaut Courtois’ terrific penalty save. The points will go to Roberto Martinez, but the plaudits should belong to John Herdman, whose underdogs made this a memorable occasion.

In 2022, as in 1986, Canada are pointless and goalless in the World Cup but, from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland, from the 49th parallel to the Arctic Circle, theirs was a performance to be proud of.

Vibrant Canada made to rue missed chances as Belgium earn narrow win

Croatia vs Canada

14:44 , Jamie Braidwood

If Croatia are to match the heroics of four years ago in Russia in Qatar, they will have to make their own bit of history after opening their tournament with a frustrating stalemate with Morocco.

The Croatians have now failed to win their opening match of a World Cup on four of their six appearances. Following the other three they failed to make it out of their group.

Losing finalists last go around, Luka Modric and co. have high hopes again and with many of the heroes of that famous run suiting up one more time for a last dance, there is still every chance they could do it. But this result, a 0-0 at the Al Bayt Stadium to begin Group F, and the performance to go with it was far from what they were looking for. Indeed it will be group rivals Belgium and Canada who are happiest with the outcome here.

Croatia miss chance to ignite World Cup bid after Morocco stalemate

Croatia vs Canada

14:37 , Jamie Braidwood

Wow - HUGE goal in Group F as Morocco take the lead against Belgium!

There’s just 20 minutes or so left to play in that one, which could have huge ramifications for both Croatia and Canada here.

Belgium vs Morocco LIVE: World Cup 2022 latest updates

Prediction and odds ahead of Croatia vs Canada

14:36 , Jamie Braidwood

Croatia win: 11/10

Canada win: 12/5

Draw: 5/2

Prediction

Canada looked sharp and slick despite defeat by Belgium and they can hurt an aging Croatian team. Croatia 1-1 Canada.

Early team news ahead of Croatia vs Canada

14:34 , Jamie Braidwood

Nikola Vlasic is available despite coming off at half-time in Croatia’s opening match. Canada have no fresh injury worries and 39-year-old Atiba Hutchinson is in line to earn his 100th cap.

Predicted line-ups

Croatia: Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic.

Canada: Borjan, Laryea, Johnston, Vitoria, Miller, Davies, Buchanan, Hutchinson, Eustaquio, Larin, David.

When is Croatia vs Canada?

14:32 , Jamie Braidwood

The match kicks off at 4pm GMT on Sunday 27 November.

What TV channel is it on?

The match will be shown live on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer.

Good afternoon

14:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Croatia face Canada in their second Group F match at World Cup, with the hopes of earning their first win after being held to a goalless draw against Morocco last time out. The 2018 World Cup finalists were far from their best in that opening game and will be focused on getting the job done against Canada.

However, that will be a tricky task. As Belgium found out in their opener, this Canadian team is full of young, spirited talent that utilises pace and pressing to their advantage. They were the more aggressive team against the Belgians and were left ruing Alphonso Davies’ missed penalty as they eventually lost 1-0.

Both managers stressed the importance of moving forward following those opening games. Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic is dealing increased expectations following his team’s incredible run at the previous tournament whilst Canada manager John Herdman wants his players to build on their impressive performance.

If Canada lose today they are out of the World Cup, but a victory will put qualification to the knockout stages in their hands ahead of a final group game against Morocco on Thursday.