World Cup live scores, updates: Croatia eliminate Canada; FIFA World Cup 2022 bracket, schedule, standings

Day 8 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar did not disappoint as the upsets continued and fans were treated to arguably the best game on paper of the group stage with Spain facing Germany. The day kicked off with Costa Rica’s surprising 1-0 win over Japan before Morocco outplayed Belgium to the tune of a 2-0 victory. Croatia then bounced Canada from the competition with a 4-1 win before the Spanish and Germans played out a dramatic and competitive 1-1 draw.

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World Cup scores, schedule

Sunday, Nov. 27Japan 0, Costa Rica 1Belgium 0, Morocco 2Croatia 4, Canada 1Spain 1, Germany 1

The craziness continues

On paper, Japan were expected to cruise past Costa Rica, especially after the momentum built from beating Germany. Belgium, also, seemed like they would bounce back from a poor display against Canada. Yet neither showed up, suffering losses that will only add to the nerves for Matchday 3. Japan had 13 shots to Costa Rica’s four but saw Keylor Navas step up big in goal. 

For Belgium, they dominated possession but could not convert as Morocco scored twice in the final 20 minutes to put Roberto Martinez’s team in a precarious situation against Croatia in their final match. As things stand, Belgium are likely going to need to beat them to advance. A draw would only be enough if Canada crush Morocco to see the Canadians overcome their goal difference, which compared to Moroccos is minus-three. 

Canada have to feel hard done

It’s hard not to feel bad for Canada after their first two games. They thoroughly outplayed Belgium and then scored in the second minute via Alphonso Davies to take a surprising lead on Croatia. But from there, the experience of the Europeans was evident, as was the inexperience of the Canadians. The midfield was clearly overmatched by Luka Modric and company, and that left them chasing a game that in the end would not be all that close. 

But it’s important to note that there were some really positive signs for the North Americans who were back at the World Cup four years earlier than expected. They are heading in the right back to potentially make noise in four year’s time, and this was just a well-earned test run. 

They’ll be better the next time the tournament rolls around, and this learning experience will teach them plenty. 

Germany more than alive

There is still plenty of work to be done, but Germany now find themselves in a great spot to advance to the round of 16 after the 1-1 draw with Spain. Niclas Fullkrug, who was playing in the German second division just last season, was the hero off the bench with his well-taken strike in the 83rd minute.

Despite not having much of the ball, as expected, Germany did create more total shots and more shots on frame than Luis Enrique’s team, nearly winning it late on a run by Leroy Sane. 

As things stand, Germany remain in last place in Group E with one point. But if they beat Costa Rica as expected, they’ll go through as long as Japan don’t beat Spain. In that situation, it would request Germany to overcome the eight-goal lead Spain have in terms of goal differential.

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