Canadian men look to turn performance into points against Croatia at World Cup

Canada must play for its World Cup future, knowing a loss Sunday against No. 12 Croatia will end any chance of advancing past the first round.

Coach John Herdman says Canada achieved two of its objectives in Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Belgium, a result that earned the Canadian men plenty of praise but no precious World Cup points.

Canada wanted to be fearless and to entertain in their return to the soccer showcase after a 36-year absence.

“That was a commitment from this group. We achieved a performance that we’re proud of,” Herdman said Thursday.

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Now Canada must play for its World Cup future, knowing a loss Sunday against No. 12 Croatia will end any chance of advancing past the first round.

Croatia will up its points total to four if it can dispatch Canada. And no matter happens in the Belgium-Morocco game in the Sunday’s other Group F matchup, one of those teams will also finish the day with four points. A loss Sunday and the Canadians can finish with no more than three points.

Canada’s final group game is Dec. 1 against Morocco.

Herdman noted that his players left it all on the line against Belgium.