It was do or die for Canada at the FIFA World Cup on Sunday as the team faced off against the 2018 finalists. Croatia in a tense clash in the group stage.
John Herdman’s men needed at least one point to stay within reach of the round of 16, but they lost 4-1 and are now out of the tournament.
Catch updates from CTVNews.ca as the match unfolds below.
FULL TIME
It all ended in Qatar after six minutes of injury time. Croatia’s impressive comeback knocks Canada out of the World Cup after two games.
90+4′
GOAL: Croatia accumulates misery against Canada. Miller slips back and substitute Lovro Majer made it 4-1 after just eight minutes on the pitch.
85′
YELLOW CARD: Kamal Miller and Modric are booked at the end of the match after facing each other on the field.
79′
Herdman’s side are still pushing to reduce the deficit with roughly 10 minutes to go. Can Canada make the ending interesting?
70′
GOAL: Croatia finds the net for the third time as a wide-open Kramaric scores his second of the game to nearly send Canada off with a huge comeback in the final 20 minutes.
66′
The pace has slowed down substantially creating a tense atmosphere for the last half hour. Canada is looking at elimination in the face right now.
56′
YELLOW CARD: Busy moments for both sides. Jonathan David’s attempt from distance went over the crossbar and Croatia’s Dejan Lovren received his second booking of the game.
54′
Big savings from Canada! Modric turns Richie Laryea around on the wing and can pick a Croatian teammate, but Borjan’s diving save was enough to prevent another goal.
52′
YELLOW CARD: The first card of the game has been awarded with the warning of Buchanan from Canada.
46′
I play again in Qatar. Herdman made two changes at halftime, bringing on Jonathan Osorio and Ismael Kone for Cyle Larin and Stephen Eustaquio (who appeared injured).
HALFTIME
After five minutes of injury time, the first half is over. Canada came out shooting but was left exposed behind and Croatia made the most of it, dodged the defenders and therefore wins 2-1.
44′
GOAL: Things have gone from bad to worse for Herdman’s men on the brink of halftime. Unable to clear the ball outside the box, the Europeans made the most of Canada’s sloppy defense and Livaja’s goal made it 2-1.
36′
GOAL: The pressure of Croatia has finally broken Canada just before the break. Ivan Perisic got past Alistair Johnston and sent the ball to Kramaric, who beat Borjan from close range 1-1. No mistake from Hoffenheim’s ace this time.
26′
Big relief for Canada there once again. In fact, Croatia had equalized through Andrej Kramaric only for the goal to be ruled offside.
twenty-one’
So close to Croatia for the tie! Mateo Kovacic sends the ball to Marko Livaja, but the striker was inches away from connecting the ball in front of Borjan.
17′
Scary moment for Canada when goalkeeper Milan Borjan goes to hit the ball but doesn’t connect well enough. He falls in love with Croatia but the Europeans cannot seize the opportunity.
10′
Canada’s pace has not slowed since the goal. Meanwhile, Croatia seem a bit surprised to have conceded so soon. Captain Luka Modric hasn’t really sniffed the ball.
two’
GOAL: Canada takes the lead! Cyle Larin passes the ball to Tajon Buchanan outside the box and the winger looks up to find Alphonso Davies who heads home for 1-0. After 36 years, the Canadian men’s team finally scored at the World Cup.
Alphonso Davies of Canada celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Richie Laryea, right, during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group F match between Croatia and Canada at Khalifa International Stadium on 27 November 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
KICK OFF
We’re going to Qatar!
NATIONAL ANTHEMS
Both teams have taken to the pitch and the national anthems resounded in the Khalifa International Stadium. Canada seems focused and ready to take on the challenge ahead. Can Herdman put his money where his mouth is?
TEAM NEWS
CANADA XI: Milan Borjan, Alistair Johnston, Kamal Miller, Steven Vitoria, Stephen Eustaquio, Tajon Buchanan, Atiba Hutchinson, Cyle Larin, Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Richie Laryea
CROATIA XI: Dominik Livakovic, Ivan Perisic, Dejan Lovren, Mateo Kovacic, Andrej Kramaric, Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, Marko Livaja, Borna Sosa, Josko Gvardiol, Josip Juranovic
The match is anticipated to be fierce competition following Herdman’s controversial remarks about facing Croatia and with elimination on the line, fans can look forward to a dramatic 90 minutes.