Croatia crushes Canada and moves closer to the next phase of the World Cup

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Croatian national team defeated Canada 4-1 after a first-half comeback, further complicating the situation in Group F.

A shock for Croatia came already in the second minute of the match. Borjan kicked the ball out, Larin received it and passed it to Buchanan. He crossed from the right side, and Davies ran in front of Juranović and headed past Livaković for 0:1.

Seven minutes later, Croatia responded. Kramarić tried to cross from the right side, the block deflected it and caused some problems for Borjan, but the ball ended up in the hands of the Canadian goalkeeper.

In the 22nd minute, Kovačić made a nice run and slipped the ball to Livaja, but he was off balance and failed to get a quality shot off, so Borjan easily saved it.

Kramarić nicely finished a chance from Livaja's pass, but Livaja was in an offside position, and Croatia's goal was disallowed in the 26th minute.

Croatia had their best chance in the 35th minute, when Kovačić sent a good ball to Livaja, who tried to beat Borjan from a slight angle, but he deflected it for a corner.

Just a minute later, Croatia managed to equalize. Perišić crossed from the left side, and Kramarić nicely found the far corner of Borjan's goal.

Croatia completed the turnaround in the 44th minute of the match. Juranović drove forward and cut inside, momentarily lost the ball, but it came back to him. He then passed it to Livaja, who from the edge of the box hit an unstoppable shot off the post.

The Vatreni had their first chance of the second half in the 54th minute. Modrić played a return ball to Kramarić. He shot first time, the Canadian goalkeeper reacted well this time.

Perišić delivered a superb cross from the left for Kramarić, who controlled the ball excellently and shot beautifully with his left foot, beating goalkeeper Borjan for 3:1.

The Vatreni tried in the 78th minute, Perišić aimed for the near post, Borjan deflected it to Kovačić, who got tangled up and failed to get a shot off. He passed the ball to Brozović, who from a clear position hit the Canadian goalkeeper.

Petković received the ball and pushed it forward, the Canadian defender made a mistake, and Oršić and Majer were through on Borjan. Oršić was unselfish and passed to Majer for an empty net goal, making it 4:1.

With this victory, Croatia moved to the top of their group, level on points with Morocco. This defeat leaves Canada at the bottom without any points, and their final match will be a mere formality. However, Croatia needs just a point against Belgium in the final round to continue their campaign.

World Cup, Group F, second round:

Croatia – Canada 4:1 (Kramarić 36’, 70’, Livaja 44’, Majer 90+3'/Davies 2’)

(scsport.ba)