RAYYAN, Qatar — Canada will leave the World Cup later this week without advancing to the knockout stage, the consequence of losing its first two matches against esteemed opposition, including a 4-1 decision against 2018 finalist Croatia on Sunday. For this, there is great disappointment.
But the Canadians will take with them a cherished prize (the first World Cup goal in the 98-year history of the men’s program) and the knowledge they played ambitious soccer. Four days after scaring No. 2-ranked Belgium, they went ahead of Croatia after just 67 seconds — the fastest goal of this tournament.