BLOG: Canada routed by Croatia, won't make knockout stage
Published
GAME OVER
The game ends 4-1 for Croatia and Canada won't advance to the knockout stage in their first FIFA World Cup in 36 years.
94th Minute
It's 4-1 Croatia after Lovro Majer scores in stoppage time.
90th Minute
Six minutes of stoppage time added.
83rd Minute
Kamal Miller and Luka Modrić are issued yellow cards after a confrontation.
77th minute
Borjan makes another point blank save to keep Canada within two goals.
72nd minute - Canada substitution
Lucas Cavallini replaces Jonathan David while Samuel Adekugbe replaces Atiba Hutchinson.
70th minute - Croatia takes two-goal lead
Canada will need a miracle now as Andrej Kramarić has netted his second goal of the game to give Croatia a 3-1 lead over Canada.
62nd minute - Davies' free kick
61st minute - Canada substitution
Junior Hoilett enter the game for Richie Laryea.
54th minute
Jonathan David almost ties the game, but the Croatian goalkeeper makes a tremendous save to keep his side up front.
53rd minute - Borjan Saves Canada
Milan Borjan makes a point blank save to keep Canada within one.
48th minute
TFC midfielder Jonathan Osorio gets off a great strike, but it goes just wide.
Second Half Begins
Canada begins the second half with Jonathan Osorio replacing Stephen Eustáquio and Ismaël Koné replacing Cyle Larin.
HALFTIME - Croatia leads 2-1
After giving up a goal within the first two minutes, Croatia controlled play for the majority of the half and lead Canada 2-1. Canada needs a result to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Possession - Croatia: 54%, Canada 46%
Shots - Croatia: 5, Canada: 1
Shots on Goal: Croatia: 4, Canada: 1
43rd minute - Marko Livaja gives Croatia the lead
After a great start, Canada has been outplayed by the 2018 World Cup runners up for most of the first half as Croatia has now taken a 2-1 lead.
36th minute - We're tied
After putting pressure on Canada, Croatia has finally broken through with Andrej Kramarić scoring in the 36th minute. The game is tied 1-1.
34th minute
The tide appears to be turning a little as Croatia is starting put on more constant pressure on the Canadians. Milan Borjan is forced to make a big save.
31st minute
Davies gets a free kick, but Croatia is able to prevent a good scoring chance from Canada.
26th minute
Croatia got the ball past Milan Borjan as the game briefly appeared to be tied, but the goal was called back due to a Croatian player being offside. Canada remains up 1-0.
21st minute
Croatia gets their best chance on net in the 21st minute, but don't get a hard shot off as Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan makes the easy save.
19th minute
Canada gets their first corner of the game as Croatia appears to be on their heels after giving up an early goal.
Twitter reacts to Canada's first goal at the men's World Cup
Davies makes history!
Canadian superstar Alphonso Davies has made history, scoring Canada's first-ever goal at the men's FIFA World Cup, heading in a cross from Tajon Buchanan before the two minute mark in their group stage game against Croatia. Canada leads 1-0.
1st Minute
We're underway in the biggest game in Canadian men's soccer history.
O Canada!
The stage is set for Canada vs. Croatia
It's almost time.....
Morocco Upsets Belgium, Putting More Pressure on Canada
With Canada vs. Croatia up next, Morocco has upset Belgium 2-0 and now sit in first place in Group F with four points. Belgium has three points, Croatia has one and Canada has none.
Canada's starting 11
Canada has announced their starting lineup for Sunday' group stage clash against Croatia, highlighted by forward Cyle Larin replacing winger Junior Hoilett.
Panda Picks Croatia
The countdown is on
The "Eff Croatia" controversy
Canada manager John Herdman made headlines this week after saying they'd "eff Croatia" after losing to Belgium. That was followed by a Croatian tabloid taking a shot at Herdman and their manger giving this response:
"The Croatian team deserves respect from everyone … We respect everyone, equally so," said Zlatko Dalić through a translator. "We expect our opposing teams to respect us. We are worthy of their respect. The Canadians must also have respect for us. This way of putting words together is not a sign of respect. We are the (2018 World Cup runners-up), not Brazil, Spain or other countries."
"I shall not focus or comment on any other people's comments," he added. "We will be prepared (Sunday), we will be fit and we will demonstrate respect for Canada … and for everyone else. We expect respect just as we exercise this view"
How this will all play out on the pitch will be determined Sunday.
Gameday Kicks
TSN's Matthew Scianitti shows off his shoes for Canada's massive game against Croatia.
Moving Forward
In their first men's World Cup in 36 years, Canada played well against Belgium despite dropping the game 1-0. Needing a result on Sunday, what did Canada learn in their opener that they can use against Croatia. TSN's World Cup panel discuss.