World Cup day eight: Who's playing and what to expect
Croatia face Canada in their second Group F match at the 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.
Follow all the action with our live blog below:
GOAL! Croatia 3-1 Canada (Kramaric 70’)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
58 mins: Let off for Canada! Borjan plays it straight out to Perisic, whose shot goes straight at the goalkeeper!
Croatia 2-1 Canada
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
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!
