Guard of the winner, confirmation of the big words or going home. There will hardly be anything fourth after the clash between Croatia and Canada in Al Rayyan, part of Doha, as part of Group F of the World Cup in Qatar. The Checkered Ones started with a narrow draw with Morocco, while the Canoucks were beaten by Belgium despite being outplayed.The statement of the Canadian coach John Herdman after the defeat against the Red Devils raised an incredible media storm. Although it was certainly neither the time nor the place for that, the English expert spoke about Croatia. But, really not the way it should be talked about the current vice-champion of the world. It is not necessary to repeat his words once again, but it is now clear that Herdman will not have an alibi for a possible failure against Zlatko Dalić’s selection.Croats are defending their silver medal from the last World Cup in Russia, and their entry into the current tournament in Qatar did not go well, as they played to a goalless draw with tough Morocco. Now they have a crucial meeting with Canada ahead of them, which they really need to solve in their favor, otherwise they would face a very difficult task in the final duel with Belgium. Despite the 0-1 loss to the Belgians, Canada made an excellent impression.Ivan Perišić on Davies ahead of Croatia vs Canada: “It was a pleasure to play with him on the left side. He is a powerful runner, it’s rare to see that mix of pace and ease in the movement. I can’t wait to play against him and the other Canadian players & show what we can do” pic.twitter.com/u0SR4bfURw— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) November 27, 2022 The Canadians definitely surprised with their opening performance in the tournament, taking twice as many shots as the selection led by Roberto Martinez. However, Alphonso Davies’ shot from the penalty spot in the 11th minute did not end up in the net. And now, should the Maple Leaves lose once more on their return to the world football showpiece after 36 long years, their run is likely to end before the final Group F clash.Selector Herdman will again rely mostly on Bayern Munich winger Davies – whose start with Belgium was uncertain due to injury – as well as on French Lille striker Jonathan David, and Red Star goalkeeper Milan Borjan, who was born in Knin (Croatia), will have a special motive. Herdman assembled one of the youngest teams of all the participants of the tournament, and on the other hand, he is complemented by the oldest player of the tournament, the almost 40-year-old midfielder of Turkish Beşiktaş Atiba Hutchinson.Considering the opening performance of Herdman’s troupe, an extremely exciting meeting with Croatia can be expected. The Checkered Ones showed a responsible defensive game against Morocco, but they were completely “toothless” and did not create a single open scoring opportunity during the entire 90 minutes.Croatian tabloid 24sata has hit back at Canada coach John Herdman after he said, “We’re going to go and ‘F’ Croatia…”The headline reads, “You have the mouth, but do you have the balls as well?”🍁 pic.twitter.com/kKqbydldBF— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) November 26, 2022 Experienced Real Madrid ace Luka Modrić is still considered the biggest star of the Croatian national team even in his later years. In addition to him, Ivan Perišić, Marcelo Brozović and Mateo Kovačić are among the holders, but none of them stood out much against Morocco.Selector Zlatko Dalić was not at all satisfied with the result and firmly hopes that in the offensive phase there will be the necessary progress.”We only got a point and it’s disappointing for us because we definitely have more work to do. We managed the defensive phase well, but we didn’t use the empty space enough. Canada were better against Belgium and had to win. Huge energy, youth and a pressing game in its benefit. However, we finally have to show what we really are,” said Dalić.QATAR 2022 WORLD CUPGROUP FSundayBelgium – Morocco 0-2 (0-0)/Sabiri 73, Aboukhlal 90+2/19:00: (2.30) Croatia (3.15) Canada (3.30)***odds are subject to change***
