Croatia vs Canada – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | 2022 FIFA World Cup
THE FACTS
When is Croatia vs Canada on and what time does it start? Croatia vs Canada will take place on Sunday 27th November, 2022 – 16:00 (UK)
Where is Croatia vs Canada taking place? Croatia vs Canada will take place at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar
Where can I get tickets for Croatia vs Canada? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Croatia vs Canada
What channel is Croatia vs Canada on in the UK? Croatia vs Canada will be televised live on BBC
Where can I stream Croatia vs Canada in the UK? Croatia vs Canada can be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app
THE LOWDOWN
CROATIA
- Croatia played out a goalless draw in their opening game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup as they failed to find a way to break the deadlock against Morocco and they will need to be much better in the final third if they are to claim their first win of the tournament.
- The Croatians saw the majority of the ball but struggled to create chances and may now have to deal with the potential absence of Nikola Vlasic who was forced off at half-time against the Moroccans with Mario Pasalic a potential replacement.
CANADA
- Canada were left frustrated as they came away empty-handed from their clash with Belgium despite putting in a superb performance in that contest and they will feel they can bounce back here.
- The Canadians had a great chance to take the lead in that game but Alphonso Davies failed to convert from the penalty spot and they went on to lose by a single goal. However, there was a lot to like about the efforts of John Herdman’s side and he is unlikely to make too many changes here.
THE TEAM NEWS
CROATIA
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Nikola Vlasic (Injured)
CANADA
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Borjan; Johnston, Vitoria, Miller; Laryea, Hutchinson, Eustaquio, Davies; Buchanan, Larin; David
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Croatia have lost only one of their last 17 international matches (W11 D5)
- Croatia have lost their last two World Cup matches against Concacaf nations. Both defeats coming against Mexico (2002 and 2014 – both group stage). They won their only other match against a Concacaf nation – a 3-1 victory against Jamaica in their first ever World Cup match in 1998
- Croatia have lost only one of their last eight World Cup matches (W4 D3)
- Croatia are unbeaten in their last four World Cup group stage matches (W3 D1). This is their longest run without a defeat in the group stage
- Croatia had not failed to score in their last 11 FIFA World Cup matches prior to their goalless draw with Morocco
- If Croatia fail to score, it will be the first time they have played two successive World Cup matches without scoring a goal since a three-match run from 2002-2006
- Croatia have kept four clean sheets in their last six World Cup group stage matches
- Against Morocco, Luka Modric (37y 75d) became the oldest player to appear for Croatia in the FIFA World Cup surpassing Drazen Ladic (35y 191d v. Netherlands 11/07/1998)
- This is Canada’s fifth World Cup match, all against European opposition
- Canada have lost all of their previous four World Cup matches without scoring a goal
- Canada are without a win in their last 13 international matches against European opposition. Their last victory coming against Belarus in March 2011
- Atiba Hutchinson is the oldest outfield player at Qatar 2022. Against Belgium he became the second oldest outfield player in the history of the tournament at 39y 288d behind Cameroon's Roger Milla (42y 39d)
THE PREDICTION
Canada were one of the surprise packages of the opening round of matches at the FIFA World Cup, albeit without managing to come away with anything for their efforts in their game with Belgium. They must now attempt to produce a similar level of performance as they aim to take something from this clash with Croatia in what shapes as an important game for both sides. The Croatians were held by Morocco and they too will feel they need to claim the three points in this matchup but the Canadians showed enough in their first match to suggest they can pose some problems here.
TIP: CANADA +0.75
