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World Cup 2022: Canada eliminated from World Cup with loss to Croatia

Nov 27, 2022; Doha, Qatar; Canada forward Tajon Buchanan (11) reacts after Croatia forward Marko Livaja (14) scored a goal during the first half of a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Khalifa International Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2022; Doha, Qatar; Canada forward Tajon Buchanan (11) reacts after Croatia forward Marko Livaja (14) scored a goal during the first half of a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Khalifa International Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

FINAL SCORE
Canada 1, Croatia 4

Canada claimed the lead after only two minutes of play, as Alphonso Davies gets a head on a beautiful cross by Tajon Buchanan. Davies' goal marks Canada's men's national team's first ever goal at a World Cup, after the 1986 team failed to manage a tally in Mexico.

Croatian striker Andrej Kramarić slotted the ball neatly into the far corner of the net off a pass from Ivan Perišić to tie the game at one apiece in the 37th minute of play.

Minutes later, striker Marko Livaja found a bit of space on the edge of the box and placed a powerful strike into the bottom corner, past goalkeeper Milan Borjan, to put Croatia up 2-1 just before the halftime whistle.

Canada made two substitutions to start the second half, bringing on midfielders Ismaël Koné and Jonathan Osorio for Stephen Eustaquio and Cyle Larin.

In the 70th minute, Croatia padded its lead with Kramarić's second goal of the game, setting himself up with a good first touch to cooly put the ball home and leave Canada's World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.

After a mistake from Canada defender Kamal Miller, Lovro Majer put the hypothetical nail in Canada's coffin with a goal on a breakaway in added time to bring the score to 4-1.

With the loss, Canada is effectively eliminated from the World Cup, but will still take the field for their final group stage match against Morocco on Thursday.

How to watch the match:

Start time: 11:00 a.m. ET

TV channel: CTV and TSN

How to stream: TSN.ca

Canada will face another tough test on Sunday after dropping a hard-fought match to Belgium ion Wednesday. They will take on 2018 World Cup runners up Croatia, who are coming off a 0-0 draw against Morocco in their opener.

What group is Canada in?

Canada was drawn into Group F, and there are no easy teams to beat up on. Canada's opponents will be second-ranked Belgium, 12th-ranked Croatia and 22nd-ranked Morocco. Canada is currently ranked 41st, making them a long shot to reach the Round of 16.

What Canadian players should I keep an eye on?

Davies is Canada's best player and is a legitimate superstar on the world stage. David is making a name for himself playing for Lille in France's top domestic league. Other names who could make an impact include Stephen Eustáquio, Tajon Buchanan, and Cyle Larin.

You can find the full roster here.

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