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:
HALF TIME! Croatia 2-1 Canada
A brilliant half of football - one of the best of the World Cup so far. Canada made a stunning start with Davies scoring after a minute. But then Croatia showed their class. The usual suspects, Modric, Kovacic and Brozovic took over in midfield, and Kramaric and Lavaja supplied the clinical moments of finishing to turn the match around within eight minutes.
Croatia 2-1 Canada
45 +5 mins: And again! Kovacic plays in Kramaric but Miller is able to cut out the cross to the back post. Canada clinging on.
Croatia 2-1 Canada
45+4 mins: This has been a supreme turnaround from Croatia - who almost get through again just before half time.
Croatia 2-1 Canada
45 mins: Well, Canada needed to get into half time level, but they haven’t managed to do it. There will be five minutes added on and Croatia are threatening for more. Kramaric fires over from outside of the box and now Canada just need to get in with a one-goal margin.
GOAL! Croatia 2-1 Canada (Livaja 44’)
Another outstanding finish from a Croatia striker! The 2018 finalists have shown their class to turn it around. After Juranovic made a bursting run inside, the ball is worked through to Livaja, who takes a touch and drills a brilliant, cutting strike inside Borjan’s near post. Lovely goal.
Croatia 1-1 Canada
41 mins: There’s a stoppage as Stephen Eustáquio gets some treatment - but the Porto midfielder is able to continue.
Croatia 1-1 Canada
39 mins: Croatia look through again as Kramaric rides the challenge of Vitoria - but Canada have enough back to clear.
It feels like Canada just need to get into half time at this point.
GOAL! Croatia 1-1 Canada (Kramaric 37’)
It was coming, and there’s the equaliser! It’s a great finish from Kramaric, who tucks a finish across Borjan and inside the far post from a tight angle. It had been brilliantly set up by Perisic with a lovely reverse pass through the legs of Johnston. Canada had been unable to clear but credit to Croatia for staying calm and building the pressure.
Croatia 0-1 Canada
33 mins: An uncomfortable moment for Canada as the ball drops to Modric in the box. The midfielder is unable to create any room but Canada can’t clear. The pressure continues as it’s worked out to Perisic. Kovacic springs forward and slips in Livaja, but Borjan saves at his near post!
Croatia 0-1 Canada
31 mins: The cross from Davies is then headed away by Lovren. Croatia fly forward and for a moment, Perisic looks in. But Buchanan covers well and Canada win it back.
