Finalist of the last edition, Croatia remains alive in this 2022 World Cup. In danger after an inaugural draw against Morocco (0-0), the teammates of the 2018 Ballon d’Or Luka Modric absolutely had to win against Canada this Sunday. Successful mission for the Croats (4-1) after having been led by early Canadians, scorers after two minutes of play. There will be a “final” for the qualification in the round of 16 between Croatia and Belgium on Thursday (4 p.m.) . Canada is eliminated and will play its last match against Morocco at the same time.
The game: Canada fell asleep
The “old” Croatians are still there! Modric, Perisic, Kramaric, Brozovic, Lovren and the gang of thirty-somethings managed to overthrow Canada this Sunday for their second match in this Qatari World Cup. Stunned from the start by the goal of Alphonso Davies (2nd), the fastest in the competition, they were not discouraged. Better, they even quickly took the upper hand against fiery but too inexperienced Canadians.
The Livaja-Kramaric duo hurt the Canucks, who could fortunately count on the parades of their goalkeeper Borjan (22nd, 35th) or the flag of the assistant referee (26th). But Kramaric (36th), then Livaja (44th) could be rewarded just before returning to the locker room. A logical takeover as they have been able to put Canadian youth to sleep.
After the break, the scenario repeated itself. With the exception of a distant opportunity from Jonathan David (56th), Canada has never been in a position to equalize. Conversely, Croatia was able to drive the point home thanks to a double from Kramaric (70th). The score could have been heavier without the new stops from Borjan (77th, 78th). The fourth goal is finally signed by Rennais Lovro Majer, after additional time (90th + 4).
Player: Andrej Kramaric
The striker from Hoffenheim (Germany) did not pay for the poor offensive performance of his selection in the opening against Morocco (0-0). Once again holder, the man with 76 caps was however replaced to the right of the attacking trident, in support of the tip Marko Livaja. Paying choices for coach Zlatko Dalic since Kramaric and Livaja both scored. The first scored twice while he was involved in the goal of the second, being at the start of the action.
Much more active and present in the game than against Morocco, Andrej Kramaric is one of the men in this game. In the second period, the vice-world champion buried Canadian hopes, with a new goal from the left (70th), his 22nd in selection. He could have scored a hat-trick without a goal disallowed for offside (26th) or a save from Borjan (54th).
The number: 1
Alphonso Davies becomes Canada’s all-time World Cup finals goalscorer. It’s only the Canucks’ second appearance after the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, but in four games they’ve never managed to score. In Qatar, the same Alphonso Davies missed a penalty against Belgium (0-1). In 1986, Canada lost to France (0-1), future semi-finalists, Hungary (0-2) and the Soviet Union (0-2). But Davies’ goal is “for nothing”: after his defeat, the Canadians are already eliminated from this World Cup.
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