DOHA: Last World Cup’s finalists Croatia maintained their unbeaten run in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 as they hammered spirited Canada 4-1 to move closer to securing a Round of 16 berth.

Last world cup’s runners-up, who were stunned by the two-minute strike from Canada’s Alphonso Davies, held their nerves to hand John Herdman’s side a 4-1 thrashing and knocked them out of the title race.

Canada failed to carry on their domination and failed to hold on to their early lead as Andrej Kramaric took just 34 minutes to fire an equalizer for his side.

Marko Livaja then put Croatia in command before halftime as he received the ball near Canada’s penalty area and took a touch before firing it into the nets.

Croatia continued to dominate nervy Canada in the second half and the game slipped out of Herdman’s men’s grasp in the 70th minute when Kramaric scored his double as he took a touch to bring himself closer to the woodwork before firing a low shot into the bottom corner.

Lovro Majer then added further to the misery of Canada with a late strike off Mislav Orsic’s assist, who burst into the penalty area before squaring it to Majer for the easy finish.

Following the victory, Croatia occupied the top spot in Group F standings – ahead of Morocco on goal difference – and a draw in their final game against Belgium on Thursday would guarantee they reach the last 16.

READ: Morcco upset Belgium 2-0 to ignite Round of 16 qualification race