Alphonso Davies’ place in the Canadian history books is secure. The FC Bayern winger headed his team in front in just the second minute of the 4-1 defeat to Croatia, scoring Canada’s first ever goal at a World Cup. However, the Croatians, for whom FCB defender Josip Stanišić again remained on the bench, responded in the right way and turned the game around with goals from Andrej Kramarić (37’) and Marko Livaja (44’) before the break. The contest remained open after the restart with chances at both ends, but it was only the East Europeans who could take them, Kramarić adding another goal before Lovor Majer completed the scoring in stoppage time. The second defeat in their second game means an early exit for the Canadians.
Important win for Mazraoui and Morocco
Noussair Mazraoui (right) could celebrate a 2-0 victory for Morocco against Belgium on Sunday.
Noussair Mazraoui and the Moroccan national team took an important step towards the round of 16 with a 2-0 win over Belgium on Sunday. The Bayern right-back recovered from the knock that forced him off in the meeting against Croatia four days earlier and lasted the whole match. The North Africans produced an impressive performance against the group favourites and dominated for large spells. Abdelhamid Sabiri gave Morocco a deserved lead in the 73rd minute, before Zakaria Aboukhlal wrapped up the victory in stoppage time.
Croatia lead Group F after two rounds of matches with four points, ahead of Morocco on goal difference. Belgium sit third on three points, meaning pointless Canada can no longer reach the knockout stages.
Two Bayern players featured for France as they booked their place in the last 16 on Saturday:
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