Canada gears up for must-win game vs. Croatia at men's World Cup
CBC
Viewing parties are planned across the country today as soccer fans gear up to watch Canada's World Cup match against Croatia at 11 a.m. ET — a do-or-die game for the team in its first tournament appearance in 36 years.
The pressure is on as both the 41st-ranked Canadians and No. 12 Croatia need to get points out of the match to preserve any chance of moving on.
A loss for Canada would mean the Canadians can finish with no more than three points in its Group while Croatia ups its total to four. Earlier Sunday, Morocco defeated Belgium to move to the top of Group F with four points, while Belgium sits at three points having defeated Canada in their opener on Wednesday.
WATCH | Canada faces must-win game vs. Croatia:
The Canadian men shone in their first game at the international soccer showcase last week, but failed to convert a slew of chances in a 1-0 loss to Belgium.
With only two teams advancing out of the group, a loss today would render Canada's final group game next Thursday with Morocco meaningless in terms of tournament progression.
Belgium tops Group F with three points, while Croatia and Morocco both have one point after their scoreless draw.
Croatia goes into Sunday's match riding a seven-game unbeaten streak dating back to a 3-0 loss to Austria in June UEFA Nations League play.
Watch Soccer North live immediately following each of Canada's games on CBC Gem, CBCSports.ca and the CBC Sports YouTube channel
