Croatia overcame a spirited Canada on Sunday evening to register an impressive 4-1 victory, sending themselves top of Group F and eliminating their North American rivals from the World Cup.

The 2018 runners-up had fallen behind after 68 seconds at the Khalifa International Stadium when the scintillating Alphonso Davies thumped a header into the net, marking the fastest goal of the tournament so far and their first in the World Cup.

But Croatia’s quality told as the encounter developed and they drew level courtesy of Andrej Kramaric in the 36th minute.

Marko Livaja made it 2-1 shortly before half-time with a low-driven effort from the edge of the box, before Kramaric doubled his tally in the 70th minute.

Lovro Majer netted in stoppage time via a breakaway counter-attack as Canada continued to press for a consolation goal to wrap up a victory that moved Croatia to the top of Group F on four points.

They now need only a draw in their final game on Thursday against third-placed Belgium, who are a point behind, to guarantee a knockout spot.

Canada, meanwhile, will exit at the group stage after consecutive defeats in their opening two games. They are also in action on Thursday, when they will face Morocco, who are level with Croatia on four points.