Croatia and Canada look to get their World Cup campaigns began after irritating ends in their opening video games.
Who: Croatia vs Canada, Group F
The place: Khalifa Worldwide Stadium, Doha
When: November 27 at 7pm (16:00 GMT)
Croatia and Canada will each really feel they need to have received their opening fixture.
The 2018 finalists have been held to a irritating nil-nil draw towards Morocco as they struggled to search out the innovative in a sport the place possibilities have been at a premium.
Canada’s opening match, their first in a World Cup since 1986, proved to be extra entertaining. The Maple Leafs’ efficiency belied their expertise on this stage as their excessive press and sharp motion suffocated Belgium. The Belgians conceded a penalty in solely the tenth minute of the sport, however Canadian star Alphonso Davies had his try saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Canada’s verve didn’t wane. Regardless of having Belgium on the again foot for a majority of the primary half, they conceded late within the first half. Their depth fell off within the second half, and Belgium held on for a 1-0 win.
A disappointing end result towards a prime workforce within the World Cup. we acquired two extra video games to go, we go once more on Sunday!
Thanks to all of the followers for his or her assist!🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/fpNQmxTuH9
— Alphonso Davies (@AlphonsoDavies) November 24, 2022
Canada supervisor John Herdman pulled the gamers right into a huddle on the pitch after the ultimate whistle, the place he lauded their efficiency and, in reasonably vibrant language, advised them they’d defeat Croatia.
Whereas Herdman’s rallying cry got here within the warmth of the second, it isn’t a far-fetched prospect. Whereas Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric and Marcelo Brozovic are all wonderful midfield technicians, they could battle towards a workforce as pacy as Canada. The Maple Leafs overran the Belgian midfield to such an extent within the first half that supervisor Roberto Martinez was pressured to convey on two defensive midfielders at half-time.
Unsurprisingly, Modric nonetheless holds the important thing for Croatia. In opposition to, Morocco, he dictated play and was judged man of the match for his efficiency. However the bluntness of his workforce’s strike pressure stays a problem: Of their previous eight video games, Croatia have managed simply 10 targets.
And whereas Canada’s fledgling group of kids is starting to take flight, Croatia’s golden technology has begun its descent after spending the previous few years flying excessive.
Will Croatia’s expertise and wiliness be sufficient to beat plucky Canada?