Iran Press/ Middle East: Croatia has showed their class as they came from behind to beat Canada 4-1 in their group F match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at the Khalifa International Stadium on Sunday.
Croatia, who made one change from the starting line-up against Morocco, bringing in Marko Livaja for Nikola Vlašić, would fall behind in just the 68th second when Alphonso Davies headed home from in front.
The early goal seemed to wake Zlatko Dalić’s side up, and after a feeling out period they began to take control of the match, Croatia Week reported.
Mateo Kovačić, who was criticised for his performance against Morocco, stamped his authority on the midfield and began orchestrating a number of attacks for Croatia.
Andrej Kramarić would find the back of the net only to have it ruled out for offside. He did not have to wait long, however, and moments later he would make it 1-1 when his left-foot shot from inside the box beat Milan Borjan.
Croatia started to open the Canadians up and in the 44th minute they deservedly took the lead when Hajduk Split striker Marko Livaja found the back of the next with a brilliant low strike from outside the box.
Croatia had a great chance to extend the lead in the 54th minute when a good move saw Brozović put Modrić clear down the right who squared it back to the unmarked Kramarić but his shot from the penalty spot was saved.
In the 70th minute Kramarić did get his second to put Croatia 3-1 up when his left foot shot inside the box beat a hapless Borjan in the Canadian goal. Croatia should have had a fourth in the 78th minute when Kovačić laid it off for Brozović right in front of goal but his shot was saved.
Lovro Majer would make it 4-1 in added time when Mislav Oršić unselfishly laid it off to him to finish with an open goal in front of him.
For Croata, Kovačić and Kramarić had much improved games and were impressive tonight, whilst Joško Gvardiol was brilliant again at centre back.
Croatia now faces Belgium in their final group match with a draw enough to see them advance into the last 16.
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