Canada eliminated from World Cup despite historic goal

Canada wasted little time ending its World Cup scoring drought in a game against Croatia, thanks to a well-timed head-butt from Alphonso Davies.

But Croatia – ranked 12th in the world and runner-up to France four years ago in Russia – is filled with talent who rallied back from Canada’s early goal.

Two goals by Andrej Kramaric and one by Marko Livaja put Croatia in the lead. Lovro Majer added a stoppage-time goal in the 94th minute on a two-on-none attack.

The 41st-ranked Canadians started with a bang with a Milan Borjan goal kick finding Cyle Larin at midfield. Larin controlled the ball deftly and sent it over to Tajon Buchanan down the right flank. Buchanan surged ahead, took two touches, lifted his head and sent in a cross that Davies, soaring through the air high above fullback Josip Juranovic, headed home past goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

The tick-tack-toe goal came just 67 seconds into the match. But it was actually 36 years in the making — a goal worthy of Canada’s first at the men’s soccer showcase. Davies’ teammates mobbed the 22-year-old from Edmonton by the corner flag and the entire country celebrated.

Ultimately, Canada could not hold off Croatia, losing 4-1 and ending its hopes of reaching the tournament’s knockout round.

Canada has one game left — this Thursday at 10 a.m. against Morocco.