Croatia shook off an early setback before outclassing Canada with a 4-1 win at the Qatar 2022 World Cup tonight.
Andrej Kramaric scored twice as the 2018 runners-up secured the big win that moved them a point away from the last 16 and dashed their opponents’ knockout-stage hopes.
Croatia had gone behind after 68 seconds at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha when Alphonso Davies powered a header into the net for Canada’s first-ever World Cup goal.
Croatia however turned things around with two goals late in the first half and two more after the break.
Hoffenheim forward Kramaric and Marko Livaja found the net before the break to leave Canada deflated.
Kramaric then doubled his tally after the interval and Lovro Majer netted in stoppage time to wrap up a victory that moved Croatia to the top of Group F on four points.
The Europeans now need only a draw in their final game against third-placed Belgium, who are a point behind, to guarantee a round of 16 spot.
After two defeats, Canada’s exit at the group stage was confirmed, leaving them to face Morocco, also on four points, in their final game.
Canada had flown out of the blocks with the fastest goal of the tournament so far and their first in the World Cup, after failing to score in their only previous appearance in 1986.
A long clearance from the goalkeeper found its way to Tajon Buchanan, who delivered a superb cross from the right into the box that Bayern Munich star Davies headed powerfully into the net.
It took some time for Croatia to respond, but they did eventually, with time running out in the first half.
They were level in the 36th minute when Ivan Perisic slid the ball through to Kramaric who fired first time into the far corner.
They took the lead eight minutes later when Livaja struck low into the net from the edge of the box after being played through by Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
Croatia widened the gap in the 70th minute through Kramaric, who netted off a cross from the impressive Perisic.
They finished off Canada in injury time when Mislav Orsic broke clear and unselfishly fed Livaja to tap home.
