Spain vs Germany LIVE: World Cup 2022 latest score and goal updates as Dani Olmo strikes crossbar

Spain look to continue their winning start to the World Cup as they take on Germany in a critical Group E clash. Luis Enrique’s Spaniards have firm control of the group following their 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica in their opening match, but Costa Rica’s stunning win over Japan earlier today has blown Group E wide open.

Spain are now unable to book their place in the last 16 even if they win this evening, while Germany have been handed a lifeline. Germany, were staring down the barrel of an early exit following their shock 2-1 loss to Japan last time out, but there is now margin for error and a second defeat would still not see eliminated at the group stages for the second tournament in a row.

This clash of European heavyweights is too difficult to call ahead of kick off but both teams will be looking at their younger players to light up the game. Spain have the teenage duo of Pedri and Gavi partnering the experienced Sergio Busquets whilst Germany will count on 19-year-old Jamal Musiala to add an extra dimension to their wide play.

Follow all the action from Qatar with our live blog below:

Spain vs Germany

Spain face Germany in crucial Group E game at World Cup 2022 with kick off at 7pm GMT

8’ POST! Neuer tips Olmo’s fierce strike onto crossbar (SPA 0-0 GER)

Luis Enrique’s side will be on the verge of the knockout rounds with victory

All four teams in Group E will have three points if Germany win

TEAM NEWS: Carvajal replaces Azpilicueta in only Spain change

TEAM NEWS: Goretzka and Kehrer start as Germany make two changes

Costa Rica claim narrow win over Japan to hand Germany lifeline

NO GOAL! Spain 0-0 Germany

19:40 , Jamie Braidwood

No, offside! Let off for Spain, as Rudiger was in so much space at the back post! The cross from Kimmich’s was sublime. The line from Spain was static. But Rudiger went a split second too soon with his run before powering the header past Simon.

Also, that goal was ruled out very quickly by the VAR. Well done.

Story continues

GOAL! Spain 0-1 Germany (RUDIGER 40’)

19:39 , Jamie Braidwood

Germany stun Spain from a set-piece!

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:37 , Jamie Braidwood

36 mins: Yellow! Ferran now pops up on the left and takes Kehrer inside with a diagonal run. The West Ham defender lunges in and doesn’t get the ball. That’s a booking.

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:35 , Jamie Braidwood

34 mins: Olmo again finds space down the left, this time staying onside. Sule gets back to make the challenge.

From the corner, it’s flicked on to Ferran at the back post. Musiala gets a brilliant block in as Ferran got his shot away!

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:34 , Jamie Braidwood

32 mins: CHANCE! Olmo makes the run down the left side and gets away from Rudiger. He squares the ball across the box and finds Ferran, but he can’t keep the first-time shot down! Big chance, but actually Olmo was offside on the initial run. Good line from Rudiger.

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:32 , Jamie Braidwood

31 mins: This is how close we’ve come to the opening goal. Still, I think we expected more from this game.

(Getty Images)

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:30 , Jamie Braidwood

30 mins: Someone has just won the Rudiger bingo. The defender lets fly from 30 yards after Spain sit off and the shot is miles off target.

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:29 , Jamie Braidwood

28 mins: It’s been a sloppy 10 minutes or so, with chances now coming from mistakes in possession. Spain are on top but Germany will be happy with how their pressing plan is working so far.

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:27 , Jamie Braidwood

26 mins: Let off for Germany! Neuer passes it straight out to Olmo, who is sharp to pick out Ferran. The Barcelona forward had space but was not quick enough with his touch, and Raum can get back to make the challenge before he gets his shot off.

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:25 , Jamie Braidwood

24 mins: Close! Best moment from Germany so far. They win it back with good pressure on the halfway line. It’s flicked to Muller, who may have been offside, but Spain are able to cut it out. Simon passes it straight out to Gnabry, who shoots wide after cutting onto his left foot.

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:23 , Jamie Braidwood

23 mins: Not too clever from Spain as Laporte passes back to Simon, who has to volley into touch under pressure from Muller.

Enrique crouches on his haunches.

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:22 , Jamie Braidwood

21 mins: Spain come alive through Pedri as he finds space to burst forward. Germany show him inside and crowd him out, before Gavi tries to find Ferran with a drag-back and flick. Germany have good numbers behind the ball and Spain’s attack breaks down as Jordi Alba drags a shot wide on his right foot.

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:20 , Jamie Braidwood

20 mins: We have now, in the last few minutes, settled into more of a pattern. The atmosphere in the Al Bayt Stadium doesn’t sound too lively yet either, certainly in comparison to Argentina vs Mexico last night.

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:18 , Jamie Braidwood

17 mins: Carvajal almost plays Spain into danger with a square pass, but Simon is able to clear it up. Spain then play out confidently between Pedri and Busquets.

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:15 , Jamie Braidwood

13 mins: This match had high billing but it has so far lived up to the hype. It’s being played at a frantic pace and is a level above most of what we have seen at this World Cup so far. Spain in charge of the possession so far.

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:11 , Jamie Braidwood

10 mins: Chance! That’s lovely play from Germany. They play through the Spain press as Gundogan flicks it forward to Goretzka, who drives on. His pass to Gnabry is a little late but Simon rushes out to make the sliding stop. Gnabry might have just been offside.

What a pace to this!

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:09 , Jamie Braidwood

8 mins: On second viewing, does Neuer get a bit lucky there? Olmo’s shot was fierce but Neuer almost palmed it into his own net. In the end he was quite lucky it only hit the bar.

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:07 , Jamie Braidwood

6 mins: SAVE! Wow – Spain look super sharp early on. It’s worked out to Dani Olmo on the left and he cuts inside before unleashing a stunning strike, that’s tipped onto the bar by Manuel Neuer.

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:05 , Jamie Braidwood

4 mins: Goreztka crunches into Gavi – but it’s Spain who have made the brighter start. Pedri helps to work it into a dangerous position but Ferran’s touch on the edge of the box lets him down.

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:02 , Jamie Braidwood

2 mins: Then in the other direction Spain swarm Musiala when he gets his first touch. It should be a brilliant battle between the Bayern midfielder and Gavi.

Spain 0-0 Germany

19:02 , Jamie Braidwood

1 min: Spain get us started in charge of the ball – but Muller is pushing high.

KICK OFF! Spain 0-0 Germany

19:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Underway! Spain are all in red and look fearsome ahead of this crucial Group E clash. Can Germany respond?

Spain vs Germany

18:57 , Jamie Braidwood

The players are out and Germany look fired up after the anthems. They are the team who will need to hit the ground running here.

Spain vs Germany

18:53 , Jamie Braidwood

The last time these two teams met at the World Cup was in the 2010 semi-final, as Carlos Puyol’s header earned the Spanish a 1-0 win in South Africa. They would go on to win the World Cup by beating the Netherlands in the final, with Germany winning the 2014 World Cup four years later.

Two proper World Cup countries, these.

(Getty Images)

Spain vs Germany

18:49 , Jamie Braidwood

Group E permutations

After Costa Rica’s shock 1-0 win over Japan earlier today, no team can either be elimated or qualify for the last 16 tonight.

A Spain win would put Luis Enrique’s side in complete control. They would only need to draw against Japan to win the group in their last game. A Germany defeat would not be the end of the world. As long as they beat Costa Rica and Japan lose to Spain, they would be through. This would also be the case if Spain and Germany draw.

A Germany win would put all four teams on three points ahead of the final fixtures, but Spain and Germany would both be in a strong position.

What are the group tiebreakers at the World Cup?

Spain vs Germany

18:46 , Jamie Braidwood

Belgium’s shock World Cup defeat by Morocco on Sunday led to riots on the streets of Brussels, with photos and videos showing cars being smashed and upturned, and fires being started.

The incidents in the Belgian capital, which saw riot police deployed, followed the national football team’s surprise 2-0 loss to Morocco in Group F, a result that puts Roberto Martinez’s side on the brink of an early exit from the competition in Qatar.

Belgium fans riot in Brussels after World Cup defeat by Morocco

Spain vs Germany

18:44 , Jamie Braidwood

Prediction?

Germany simply cannot afford to lose here and with their added desperation, a major response is probable. Spain will be a tricky test, but we’ll lean on the character of a world class side fighting back to earn a 2-1 win here to get back on track in Qatar.

Spain vs Germany

18:38 , Jamie Braidwood

How special is this kid?

Barcelona’s 18-year-old Gavi became the country’s youngest World Cup player, and the youngest to score since Brazil great Pele in 1958 after netting in their 7-0 win over Costa Rica.

He starts again toady alongside the 19-year-old Pedri, who was also magnificent against Costa Rica.

Spain vs Germany

18:29 , Jamie Braidwood

Luis Enrique warned overconfidence could cause Spain’s downfall when they face Germany in their second Group E clash on Sunday.

Spain dominated their opening contest, trouncing Costa Rica 7-0 with the highest margin of any win in Qatar so far and netting the most goals the country have ever scored in a World Cup match.

It was a performance that surprised even their manager, who urged his players to remain measured in their response to the decisive victory.

Enrique said: “We tried to manage that victory with all normality. We got the three points, that’s it.

“It was a resounding victory that fills us with confidence, but we shouldn’t have too much confidence. We are facing an opponent, Germany, against which we cannot be overconfident otherwise they will hammer us.

“We have a very smart squad, smart enough to know that we have to respect our opponent, and we will have to give it our all. It’s a great challenge.”

Luis Enrique warns Spain not to underestimate Germany in crucial World Cup clash

Spain vs Germany

18:22 , Jamie Braidwood

Germany boss Hansi Flick wants the focus on his side redirected from politics to competitive matters as they approach their critical encounter with Spain on Sunday.

Germany sit third in Group E after one round of matches following their surprise 2-1 loss to Japan on Wednesday, so picking up points against Spain – coming off a 7-0 victory over Costa Rica – will be essential.

Some suggested the Germans were distracted by the debate surrounding their decision to stage a pre-match protest ahead of that midweek opener, a conversation Flick was keen to move past.

He said: “It’s just the way it is. We need to accept a lot of other things about all this noise in the background of what happened before the tournament, and the story with the armband. The main focus for me has been the football.”

Germany boss Hansi Flick keen to move past ‘noise’ after World Cup protest

Spain vs Germany

18:14 , Jamie Braidwood

Spain vs Germany big match preview, by Miguel Delaney

As Luis Enrique was talking about how sex the night before games is fine, but an “orgy” is “not ideal”, Hansi Flick – well – was seeming metaphorically impotent. It was Ilkay Gundogan who had been the strongest voice in a crisis meeting after the defeat to Japan, where Germany’s somewhat unlucky display started to come apart as Flick desperately threw on more forwards. The breakthrough didn’t come with either Niclas Fullkrug or Youssoufa Moukoko.

These weren’t exactly the most inspired or imaginative decisions.

Flick and his staff have since been scrutinising the Spanish match against Costa Rica, looking for different ways to get at them, but also the gaps in their own team. Thilo Kehrer is expected to come in for the struggling Niklas Sule.

More insight than that will be required, and not just because of how good Spain were in that 7-0, or how it is a rare group-stage clash between heavyweights that could slam Germany out.

It is also a meeting between the only two coaches at this World Cup to have recent major club success. And what success. The two are responsible for the last two trebles in the Champions League. Luis Enrique won with Barcelona in 2015, Flick with Bayern Munich in 2020.

Hansi Flick and Luis Enrique at the heart of battle of World Cup heavyweights

Spain vs Germany

18:09 , Jamie Braidwood

Now all eyes turn to what many predicted to be the clash of the World Cup group stages as Spain take on Germany in Group E, in a meeting of two former champions.

Spain thrashed Costa Rica 7-0 in their opening fixture as Luis Enrique’s side made a flying start, while Germany were stunned by Japan in a 1-0 defeat.

Earlier today in Group E, Japan were unable to build on their shock opening win against Germany as they fell to a disappointing defeat to Costa Rica.

The result is a boost to Germany, who will no longer be knocked out if they lose to Spain tonight. A draw may even be a good result.

Costa Rica earn redemption as Japan pluck another tragedy from jaws of triumph

Croatia fight back to win as Canada entertain again but exit World Cup early

18:02 , Jamie Braidwood

Report by Karl Matchett

Another World Cup day, another World Cup moment of history. Just 90 seconds after kick-off, Canada had their first-ever goal at a finals, Alphonso Davies had his moment of redemption and the Qatar tournament had its earliest goal in any game.

The best side in Concacaf qualifying had shown their qualities in the opener against Belgium without earning reward – mostly due to Davies seeing a penalty saved, but with profligacy elsewhere too.

This time the fast start brought the best reward of all, but despite those opening scenes of jubilation and pride, promise and potential, Canada are out.

Croatia fight back to win as Canada entertain again but exit World Cup early

FULL TIME! Croatia 4-1 Canada

17:57 , Jamie Braidwood

Canada are out! They scored a historic goal but Croatia’s supreme comeback means they are just the second team to exit the tournament, along with Qatar. That was a classy response from Croatia, who claim a big win and will go into their deciding fixture against Belgium full on confidence.

GOAL! Canada 4-1 Croatia (Majer 90+4’)

17:54 , Jamie Braidwood

It’s cruel on Canada, but you can’t argue that Croatia don’t deserve four. It comes after a terrible mistake from the Canada defender Miller. It leads to the two-on-one and the move is finished off by Lovro Majer.

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:54 , Jamie Braidwood

90+3 mins: Close! Davies’ goal for Canada was their standout moment here, and will be what they take away from their first World Cup since 1986, but Hoilett goes close to adding a second with a dipping volley that goes wide.

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:51 , Jamie Braidwood

90 mins: We’re into six minutes of added time but this match was pretty much over when Kramaric struck for his second.

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:50 , Jamie Braidwood

88 mins: It will be a shame to see Canada go. They have brought more to the World Cup than most teams and entertained here again today, but they have also been found out at times as being a bit naive.

They will be among the World Cup hosts in four years’ time and this experience will help them, no doubt about that.

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:48 , Jamie Braidwood

87 mins: Three late changes for Croatia with Pasalic, Orsic and Majer come on. Modric, Kovacic and Perisic are removed and wrapped in cotton wool.

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:45 , Jamie Braidwood

84 mins: Modric picks up a yellow card after getting in a tangle with Miller. That could come back to haunt Croatia later in the tournament…

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:45 , Jamie Braidwood

82 mins: Davies is still trying his best to get Canada back into this. He twists and turns away from Gvardiol, but then Hoilett passes straight out.

Spain vs Germany team news

17:44 , Alex Pattle

And here is Germany’s XI to play Spain:

Neuer; Sule, Rudiger, Kehrer, Raum; Kimmich, Goretzka, Gundogan; Musiala, Muller, Gnabry.

Two changes for the Germans, with Kehrer and Goretzka starting.

Spain vs Germany team news

17:43 , Alex Pattle

Here is Spain’s XI to play Germany, in the last game of the day:

Simon; Carvajal, Rodri, Laporte, Alba; Busquets, Gavi, Pedri; Asensio, Olmo, Torres.

One change made by Luis Enrique, with Carvajal in for Azpilicueta.

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:39 , Jamie Braidwood

78 mins: SAVE! So, so close to four for Croatia. Perisic skips past Johnston down the left and then cuts it back to Kovacic. The goal is gaping but he picks the pass to his right, and Brozovic is denied by Borjan.

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:37 , Jamie Braidwood

75 mins: Croatia look so comfortable now. They are so experienced on this stage, and you can tell Canada are the complete opposite.

What a match Croatia vs Belgium looks to be now. On the evidence of today, Croatia are clear favourites and would knock Belgium out with a win.

Croatia 3-1 Canada

17:33 , Jamie Braidwood

71 mins: Kramaric is then inches away from sliding in to score Croatia’s fourth, but the driven ball across goal goes all the way through.

Kramaric is then brought off for Nikola Vlasic, so there will be no first hat trick of the World Cup here.

GOAL! Croatia 3-1 Canada (Kramaric 70’)

17:31 , Jamie Braidwood

Devastating for Canada, but what a finish this is! Kramaric adds his second and Canada as it stands are heading out of the World Cup. The striker brings down a crossfield pass, cuts inside Miller and fires a brilliant shot across goal and into the net off his left foot.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:29 , Jamie Braidwood

68 mins: Ooof. Davies looked in but David wasn’t able to slide him through. Then, Kovacic dances through midfield but his slipped ball to Kramaric bobbles into Borjan’s grasp.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:28 , Jamie Braidwood

66 mins: Canada might now be on top, you know. Kone has helped their balance in midfield and the change of system from John Herdman has helped Canada take more control.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:24 , Jamie Braidwood

63 mins: … but Davies takes aim at goal from a wide angle and hits the wall. Still, Canada are getting joy with Davies now in a more advanced position.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:23 , Jamie Braidwood

62 mins: Davies turns Gvardiol on the edge of the box and the Croatia defender hauls him to the turf. Chance coming up for Canada to swing the ball into the box…

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:21 , Jamie Braidwood

60 mins: Change for Croatia: Petkovic replaces goalscorer Lavaja in a straight swap for Croatia.

Junior Hoilett is coming on for Canada.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:20 , Jamie Braidwood

59 mins: Canada have come out stronger after steadying at the half-time interval. There’s certainly a lot more threat, but they will have to take more chances as the game goes on.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:18 , Jamie Braidwood

58 mins: Let off for Canada! Borjan plays it straight out to Perisic, whose shot goes straight at the goalkeeper!

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:17 , Jamie Braidwood

55 mins: SAVE! And now a flying stop at the other end! David whips a dangerous shot from the edge of the box and Livakovic, unsure if it was dipping in or not, tips over the crossbar.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:15 , Jamie Braidwood

53 mins: SAVE! How crucial could this be for Canada?! Croatia should be out of sight. It’s another slick move from Croatia, the midfield cutting through Canada. Modric cuts it back to Kramaric but his shot is palmed away by Borjan!

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:12 , Jamie Braidwood

50 mins: Sosa whips in a dangerous cross and Perisic is not far away at all. Borjan spills the cross but did not look comfortable.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:11 , Jamie Braidwood

49 mins: Those changes should result in Davies being pushed up higher for Canada. He is now partnering David in attack.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:09 , Jamie Braidwood

48 mins: Close! Almost an immediate impact from Osorio! He takes a touch out of his feet and whistles a shot past the far post!

Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:07 , Jamie Braidwood

Back underway! A huge half coming up for Canada, who have made two changes with Jonathan Osorio and Ismael Kone coming on for Larin and Eustáquio.

HALF TIME! Croatia 2-1 Canada

17:00 , Jamie Braidwood

What an impact Marko Livaja has had, too.

(AFP via Getty Images)

HALF TIME! Croatia 2-1 Canada

16:57 , Jamie Braidwood

It may seem harsh – as they have been one of the more impressive and ambitious teams at the World Cup – but Canada are currently 45 minutes away from being knocked out of the World Cup.

Huge half coming up.

(Getty Images)

HALF TIME! Croatia 2-1 Canada

16:50 , Jamie Braidwood

A brilliant half of football – one of the best of the World Cup so far. Canada made a stunning start with Davies scoring after a minute. But then Croatia showed their class. The usual suspects, Modric, Kovacic and Brozovic took over in midfield, and Kramaric and Lavaja supplied the clinical moments of finishing to turn the match around within eight minutes.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

16:50 , Jamie Braidwood

45 +5 mins: And again! Kovacic plays in Kramaric but Miller is able to cut out the cross to the back post. Canada clinging on.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

16:49 , Jamie Braidwood

45+4 mins: This has been a supreme turnaround from Croatia – who almost get through again just before half time.

Croatia 2-1 Canada

16:47 , Jamie Braidwood

45 mins: Well, Canada needed to get into half time level, but they haven’t managed to do it. There will be five minutes added on and Croatia are threatening for more. Kramaric fires over from outside of the box and now Canada just need to get in with a one-goal margin.

GOAL! Croatia 2-1 Canada (Livaja 44’)

16:44 , Jamie Braidwood

Another outstanding finish from a Croatia striker! The 2018 finalists have shown their class to turn it around. After Juranovic made a bursting run inside, the ball is worked through to Livaja, who takes a touch and drills a brilliant, cutting strike inside Borjan’s near post. Lovely goal.

Croatia 1-1 Canada

16:41 , Jamie Braidwood

41 mins: There’s a stoppage as Stephen Eustáquio gets some treatment – but the Porto midfielder is able to continue.

Croatia 1-1 Canada

16:40 , Jamie Braidwood

39 mins: Croatia look through again as Kramaric rides the challenge of Vitoria – but Canada have enough back to clear.

It feels like Canada just need to get into half time at this point.

GOAL! Croatia 1-1 Canada (Kramaric 37’)

16:36 , Jamie Braidwood

It was coming, and there’s the equaliser! It’s a great finish from Kramaric, who tucks a finish across Borjan and inside the far post from a tight angle. It had been brilliantly set up by Perisic with a lovely reverse pass through the legs of Johnston. Canada had been unable to clear but credit to Croatia for staying calm and building the pressure.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:35 , Jamie Braidwood

33 mins: An uncomfortable moment for Canada as the ball drops to Modric in the box. The midfielder is unable to create any room but Canada can’t clear. The pressure continues as it’s worked out to Perisic. Kovacic springs forward and slips in Livaja, but Borjan saves at his near post!

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:32 , Jamie Braidwood

31 mins: The cross from Davies is then headed away by Lovren. Croatia fly forward and for a moment, Perisic looks in. But Buchanan covers well and Canada win it back.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:31 , Jamie Braidwood

29 mins: Davies is then able to make some room as he turns Lovren – an arm comes across Davies and a foul to Canada is awarded.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:30 , Jamie Braidwood

28 mins: Modric joins in the Croatia press but Canada are able to play out from the back. David’s touch takes him out of play, though. The Lille forward has been quiet so far.

NO GOAL! Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:26 , Jamie Braidwood

25 mins: Croatia have the ball in the net – but the flag is up!

It’s a lovely move from Croatia, with Modric flicking a pass through to set up the counter-attack. Livaja then threads it forward to Kramaric, who tucks a finish past Borjan – but the initial pass into Livaja was offside.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:24 , Jamie Braidwood

23 mins: Magic from Davies to skip away from Brozovic with a nutmeg. Canada are enjoying themselves.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:22 , Jamie Braidwood

22 mins: Close! Great play from Kovacic who ghosts past Hutchinson in midfield. He threads it into Kramaric but the forward is unable to turn or get a shot away.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:21 , Jamie Braidwood

20 mins: Juranovic is having a nightmare against Davies! Modric’s loose touch (yes, Modric’s loose touch) leads to a Canada break and Davies bursts past the full-back on the wing. His pass inside goes between Larin and David, and Canada clear.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:19 , Jamie Braidwood

18 mins: Almost! Buchanan has made a great start out on the Canada right. He was thrilling against Belgium too with his runs inside and almost combines with Larin. Croatia clear but Juranovic heads over a deep cross to gift Canada a corner.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:17 , Jamie Braidwood

16 mins: Croatia are moving the ball quite sharply. Borjan flaps at a cross from Sosa and Perisic is almost played in on the return.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:15 , Jamie Braidwood

14 mins: Canada do clear and are able to settle. John Herdman’s side move the ball well as Laryea finds Davies with a clever pass inside. Croatia are able to push Davies away from goal and win it back.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:12 , Jamie Braidwood

12 min: Croatia go short but Canada are unable to clear completely. Eustaquio hacks away as Croatia stay on the front foot.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:11 , Jamie Braidwood

10 mins: Perisic gets his first couple of opportunities out on the left. He beats Johnston the first time, hanging a cross to no one at the back post, before Johnston deflects the second out for a corner.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:09 , Jamie Braidwood

7 mins: Of course, Croatia are better than most at cutting teams open with the ball, with Modric and Kovacic in midfield.

But Canada are threatening! Buchanan rampages down the right before Larin gets caught well offside, as he is denied by Livakovic.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:07 , Jamie Braidwood

5 mins: That sets up Canada perfectly too – who can drop off into their shape and attack Croatia on the counter-attack.

Croatia look to build themselves into it. Kramaric’s cross is deflected but Borjan collects, using the crossbar to help him.

Croatia 0-1 Canada

16:05 , Jamie Braidwood

3 mins: That’s an incredible moment for Davies – who of course missed that important penalty against Belgium.

And what a start to this game. So many matches at this World Cup have been goalless at half time, but this has exploded into life!

GOAL! Croatia 0-1 Canada (DAVIES 2’)

16:01 , Jamie Braidwood

GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!!!!

What a start! What a header! And it’s Davies who is the scorer!

What a moment for Canada – their first ever World Cup goal!

Buchanan swings in a brilliant cross and Davies arrives just in time to power a header into the net!

AMAZING!

Croatia 0-0 Canada

16:01 , Jamie Braidwood

1 min: Croatia have lined up with Kramaric on the right and Lavaja, who is the only change from their opening team, through the middle.

Kick-off! Croatia 0-0 Canada

16:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Underway at the Khalifa International Stadium! After Morocco’s win over Belgium, is another Group F shock on the cards?

Let’s find out.

Croatia vs Canada

15:56 , Jamie Braidwood

What a sporting day this could be for Canada, who have just won the Davis Cup in tennis for the first time!

Croatia vs Canada

15:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Can Alphonso Davies instead keep Canada’s World Cup hopes alive? His penalty miss proved crucial in the opening defeat to Belgium – and the Bayern Munich star will be keen to make ammends this afternoon.

Anthems next.

Croatia vs Canada

15:53 , Jamie Braidwood

The teams are in the tunnel! Kick-off coming up.

Croatia vs Canada

15:52 , Jamie Braidwood

How key will Luake Modric again be for Croatia today?

The Real Madrid maestro was left frustrated in Croatia’s opening game, with his team-mates being unable to get on the end of some of his passes and to take their chances.

Today’s match feels like a classic World Cup occassion where he makes the difference.

(Getty Images)

Croatia vs Canada

15:44 , Jamie Braidwood

Zlatko Dalic was keen not to look back on Croatia’s run to the 2018 World Cup final when he spoke to reporters following the opening draw against Morocco at Al Bayt Stadium, with the need to move forward a repeated refrain.

“Four and a half years have passed and Croatia has almost a whole new national team … we cannot draw comparisons between the two generations of players,” he said.

“This is another World Cup we have prepared. We know we are good, we know we can do it. We are prepared to fight on.”

Croatia vs Canada

15:29 , Jamie Braidwood

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic called for “respect” after Canada manager John Herdman was overheard telling his team to “go and ‘eff’ Croatia” before today’s World Cup clash.

The comments have caused a stir ahead of today’s Group F fixture and Dalic said: “The Croatia team deserves respect from everyone. We have proven that by the way we have played and our conduct during the World Cup.

“We are the runners-up, second in the world. We respect everyone equally so we expect our opposing teams to respect us. This way of putting words together is not a sign of respect.”

Croatia vs Canada

15:15 , Jamie Braidwood

John Herdman believes his Canada side proved they belong at the World Cup after they outshone Belgium only to slip to a narrow defeat.

Playing in their first World Cup in 36 years, Canada more than held their own and Herdman said: “They showed tonight that they do belong here.

“It has been a long time since we have been back, our fans were football fans, they really tried to own the stadium tonight.

“They (the fans) walked away proud I’m sure, proud and feeling like we are a footballing nation. We came into the game with a couple of goals, the first was to play fearless and the second goal was to entertain.

“We had some other goals – to create some firsts, but we never got to those moments. I think at times it was one pass too many around the box. I’m not going to criticise them because when you outshoot Belgium I can’t complain too much.

“Sometimes it is your night and sometimes it is not. They made a commitment to themselves before they went out there tonight.”

Morocco stun sorry Belgium to ignite hopes of World Cup history

15:11 , Jamie Braidwood

By Ben Burrows at the Thumama Stadium

“No chance” was Kevin De Bruyne’s blunt assessment when discussing Belgium’s likelihood of success at this World Cup in the build-up to it and after collapsing to a stunning defeat at the hands of Morocco here in Qatar, it’s hard to argue with the Manchester City midfielder’s so famously impeccable vision.

Manager Roberto Martinez described the opening display in the narrowest of wins over Canada as “technically the worst” of his six-year tenure in charge but with even the faintest of faint glimpses of the quality this side used to light up Russia four years ago utterly absent for this second outing, you suspect he may have a new low bar.

Morocco stun sorry Belgium to ignite hopes of World Cup history

Croatia vs Canada

15:02 , Jamie Braidwood

Here are the Group F standings

1) Morocco – 4 points

2) Belgium – 3 points

3) Croatia – 1 point

4) Canada – 0 points

Croatia vs Canada:

15:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Incredible. Huge result in Group F as Morocco have BEATEN Belgium 2-0.

It blows the group wide open, but does not change anything ahead of this afternoon’s match.

Canada will still be knocked out if they lose to Croatia, who cannot qualify today.

Belgium vs Morocco LIVE: World Cup 2022 latest updates

Croatia vs Canada: Team news!

14:56 , Jamie Braidwood

Both teams have made one change from their opening game as Croatia and Canada search for their first win of the World Cup.

Marko Livaja starts ahead of Nikola Vlasic for Croatia while Canada bring in Cyle Larin for Junior Hoilett.

Croatia: Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Livaja, Kramaric, Perisic

Canada: Borjan; Johnston, Vitoria, Miller; Laryea, Hutchinson, Eustaquio, Davies; Buchanan, Larin; David

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent’s website