The game was a huge one for both outfits as they vie for a spot in the last-16.
Canada lost to Belgium in matchweek 1, so another loss on Sunday would have all but ended their World Cup campaign.
Croatia, meanwhile, drew with Morocco last time out and play Belgium next week, so they too were desperate for a win.
And when all was said and done in Qatar, Croatia picked up the win to knock Canada out of the World Cup.
Canada took just over a minute to open the scoring. Tajon Buchanan whipped in a ball from the right and Alphonso Davies headed home after making a run into the box from deep.
Croatia’s first chance came 21 minutes in after a marauding run from Mateo Kovacic during which he Livaja but the forward’s effort was weak.
Croatia continued to press after their equaliser and added a second right before half-time via a wonderful strike from Marko Livaja.
Substitute Jonathan Osorio came close to levelling the game three minutes into the second half but his shot from the edge of the box drifted wide of the post.
Kramaric then should have made it three after receiving the ball from Luka Modric unopposed in the Canada box but his shot went straight at the keeper. The no.9 got his second goal 69 minutes in to kill the tie off and knock Canada out of the World Cup.
Lovro Majer came off the bench and made it 4-1 in injury time after Croatia hit Canada on the counter.
Croatia player ratings
- Dominik Livaković (6)
- Josip Juranović (6)
- Dejan Lovren (5.5)
- Joško Gvardiol (6)
- Borna Sosa (6)
- Luka Modrić (7)
- Marcelo Brozović (6.5)
- Mateo Kovačić (7.5)
- Marko Livaja (7)
- Andrej Kramarić (8)
- Ivan Perisic (7)
Substitutes
- Bruno Petković (5)
- Nikola Vlašić (5)
- Lovro Majer (N/A)
- Mislav Orsic (N/A)
- Lovro Majer (6)
Canada player ratings
- Milan Borjan (4.5)
- Alistair Johnston (5)
- Steven Vitória (5)
- Kamal Miller (4)
- Richie Laryea (6)
- Atiba Hutchinson (5)
- Stephen Eustáquio (6)
- Alphonso Davies (6.5)
- Tajon Buchanan (6.5)
- Jonathan David (6)
- Cyle Larin (6)
Substitutes
- Jonathan Osorio (4.5)
- Ismael Koné (4)
- Junior Hoilett (4.5)
- Sam Adekugbe (4)
- Lucas Cavallini (4)
Match reaction
Mateo Kovacic’s first half by numbers vs. Canada:
100% pass accuracy (30/30)
100% duels won
100% tackles won
38 touches
7x possession won
5 duels won
4 tackles
2 chances created
1 big chance createdBossing it. #FIFAWorldCup | #HRV pic.twitter.com/1j84mjnOlY
— Squawka (@Squawka) November 27, 2022
Sprinklers on at half time at the Khalifa International stadium just to ensure the pace of the game quickens up in the second half and something happens… 😓
Croatia 2-1 Canada @TheAthleticFC pic.twitter.com/Pql92KVJw3
— Adam Leventhal (@AdamLeventhal) November 27, 2022
#CAN when they lose possession pic.twitter.com/CxpJVuzX6O
— Luis Miguel Echegaray (@lmechegaray) November 27, 2022
15 – Ivan Perišić has been directly involved in 15 goals at World Cups and EUROs combined (9 goals, 6 assists), five more than any other Croatia player. Evergreen. pic.twitter.com/c61GNmYSkf
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 27, 2022
Andrej Kramaric’s first half by numbers vs. Canada:
100% dribbles completed
86% pass accuracy
29 touches
2/3 ground duels won
1 shot on target
1 goalScores well taken goal. 👏 pic.twitter.com/HXG2ww85xH
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 27, 2022
Croatia remembered who they are innit.
— Mayowa ‘Obiagu’ Quadri 🖤🦁 (@MayowaQuadri_) November 27, 2022
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