It’s do or die for Canada at the FIFA World Cup on Sunday as the team takes on 2018 finalists Croatia in a tense group stage clash.
Heading into the clash, John Herdman’s men knew they must pick up at least one point to stay within reach of the knockouts or will be forced to pack their bags.
Follow along with CTVNews' live blog below as Canada faces elimination.
52'
YELLOW CARD: The first card of the game has been awarded with Canada's Buchanan being cautioned.
46'
Game on again in Qatar. Herdman made two changes at the break brining on Jonathan Osorio and Ismael Kone for Cyle Larin and Stephen Eustaquio (who appeared to pick up an injury).
HALF-TIME
After five minutes of stoppage time the first half has concluded. Canada came out firing but was exposed at the back and Croatia made the most of it, danced around defenders, and therefore leads 2-1.
44'
GOAL: Things have gone from bad to worse for Herdman's men on the stroke of half-time. Unable to clear the ball out of the box, the Europeans made the most of Canada's sloppy defending and Livaja's strike turned things 2-1.
36'
GOAL: Croatia's pressure has finally broken Canada just before the break. Ivan Perisic got the better of Alistair Johnston and sent the ball towards Kramaric who beat Borjan from close range for 1-1. No mistake from the Hoffenheim ace this time around.
26'
Huge relief for Canada there once again. Croatia had in fact equalised through Andrej Kramaric only for the goal to be ruled offside.
21'
So close from Croatia for an equaliser! Mateo Kovacic sends the ball through to Marko Livaja but the forward was inches short of connecting with the ball in front of Borjan.
17'
Scary moment for Canada as goalkeeper Milan Borjan goes to punch the ball but doesn't connect well enough. It falls for Croatia but the Europeans can't make the most of the opportunity.
10'
Canada's pace hasn't slowed down since the goal. Croatia meanwhile looks a bit star struck having conceded so early. Captain Luka Modric has not really had a sniff of the ball.
2'
GOAL: Canada takes an early lead! Cyle Larin feeds the ball to Tajon Buchanan wide of the box and the winger looks up to find Alphonso Davies who heads home for 1-0. After 36 years, Canada's men's national team has finally scored at the World Cup.
Alphonso Davies of Canada celebrates after scoring their team's first goal with their teammate Richie Laryea, right, during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group F match between Croatia and Canada at Khalifa International Stadium on Nov. 27, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
KICK OFF
Off we go in Qatar!
NATIONAL ANTHEMS
Both teams have taken to the pitch and the national anthems rang through Khalifa International Stadium. Canada looks focused and ready to take on the challenge ahead. Can Herdman put his money where his mouth it?
TEAM NEWS
CANADA XI: Milan Borjan, Alistair Johnston, Kamal Miller, Steven Vitoria, Stephen Eustaquio, Tajon Buchanan, Atiba Hutchinson, Cyle Larin, Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Richie Laryea
CROATIA XI: Dominik Livakovic, Ivan Perisic, Dejan Lovren, Mateo Kovacic, Andrej Kramaric, Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, Marko Livaja, Borna Sosa, Josko Gvardiol, Josip Juranovic
The match is anticipated to be a fiery contest following Herdman’s controversial statements towards facing Croatia and with elimination on the line fans can expect a dramatic 90 minutes.
Canada against Croatia officially kicks off at 11 a.m. EST/8 a.m. PST.
