Canada scores, but loss to Croatia ends World Cup dream

Alphonso Davies made history for Canadian men’s soccer Sunday, but it was all for naught.

Davies scored the country’s first goal ever at a men’s World Cup to give the Canadians a 1-0 lead, but Croatia roared back to down Canada 4-1 in Doha, Qatar.

The loss means Canada can’t advance from the group stage. The Canadians are to face Morocco on Thursday to complete their group stage schedule, but they won’t move on to the round of 16 even if they win.

Canada’s men’s squad is making just its second appearance in the world’s premier soccer event, but its first since 1986. That Canadian side was shut out in each of its three group stage matches.

Canada was blanked in its first match of this World Cup, falling 1-0 to Belgium on Wednesday. But on Sunday, Davies scored after just 68 seconds — the second-fastest goal ever scored in a men’s World Cup group stage match.

But that was the only shot Canada managed in the first half and Croatia took advantage. Andrej Kramaric scored in the 36th minute to tie the game and Marko Livaja made it 2-1 in the 44th minute.

Jonathan Osorio narrowly missed tying the game in the 48th minute, but Canada didn’t come close again. Kramaric scored his second goal of the contest in the 70th minute to stretch the lead to two before Lovro Majer completed the scoring in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

Canada finished the contest with eight shots, but only two were on target. Ten of Croatia’s 13 shots were on net.

Croatia no doubt got some motivation from words earlier in the week from Canadian coach John Herdman, who reportedly said “F— Croatia” to his players after the loss to Belgium.

Canada entered the tournament ranked 41st in FIFA’s rankings. The other teams in its group — Belgium (No. 2), Croatia (No. 12) and Morocco (No. 22) — all were ranked higher.