FIFA World Cup, Croatia thrash Canada 4-1: Stats
Croatia came from behind to torch Canada 4-1 in a Group F fixture of the FIFA World Cup. Alphonso Davies' header put Canada in the lead within two minutes of kick-off. Croatia had a goal disallowed before they pulled one back through Andrej Kramaric. Marko Livaja added their second minutes later. Kramaric completed his brace post-half-time, while Lovro Majer's stoppage-time goal completed the rout.
How did the match pan out?
Davies scored off Tajon Buchanon's cross to garner an early lead for Canada. Croatia created plenty of chances thereafter, with Kramaric getting his goal ruled out for offside. Kramaric eventually pulled one back. Croatia converted their second soon. In the second half, both goalkeepers made stunning saves before Kramaric slotted his second. Croatia scored in added time to knock out Canada from the WC.
Perisic enters record books
Perisic assisted Kramaric twice in the concluded fixture. As per William Hill, he is the only player to assist in each of the last five major tournaments: 2014 World Cup, 2016 Euros, 2018 World Cup, 2020 Euros, and 2022 World Cup.
Davies, Hutchinson slam these records
As per Opta, Davies' goal after 68 seconds is the fastest goal in a group stage match at the FIFA World Cup since Clint Dempsey scored after 29 seconds against Ghana in 2014. He netted his 13th goal in international football. Meanwhile, Atiba Hutchinson made his 100th appearance for Canada, becoming the first player to reach this milestone for the men's team.
Distinct records from the match
Ivan Perisic (33y 298d) became the third oldest player to provide two assists in a single World Cup game (since 1966), after Michael Laudrup versus Nigeria in 1998 (34y 13d) and Laszlo Fazekas versus El Salvador in 1982 (34y 243d). As per Squawka, Davies has become the first man in the nation's history to score a World Cup goal for Canada.
Unwanted records for Canada
Canada have lost all five of their World Cup matches. Only El Salvador (6) have played more games in the competition while losing on each occasion. The Reds have become the first side since Denmark (vs Brazil, 1998) to lose a match at the World Cup after having scored inside two minutes in that game.
A brace to remember for Kramaric!
As per Squawka, Kramaric has become the eighth player to score a brace at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He joins Enner Valencia, Bukayo Saka, Mehdi Taremi, Olivier Giroud, Ferran Torres, Richarlison, and Kylian Mbappe. He has raced to 22 goals in 76 international appearances.
A look at key stats and standings
Canada enjoyed more of the ball, clocking a 52% possession. They attempted eight shots with two on target. Meanwhile, Croatia commanded 48% possession, taking 13 shots with 10 on target. Croatia (W1 D1) are atop Group F standings. They boast a goal difference (GD) of +3. Morocco (W1 D1) trail them. Belgium (W1 L1) and Canada (L2) follow suit.
