Croatia back to winning as Andrej Kramaric's double inspired a 4-1 victory over Canada in Sunday's Group F grudge match in Doha.

The match was, however, started with the Canadian goal at just second minute as Alphonso Davies scored at the Khalifa International Stadium, report AFP. 

Second-half goals from Kramaric and Lovro Majer ensured Croatia could celebrate their first win of the tournament after a goalless draw with Morocco in their first match.

Now, Croatia is the group topper in Group F, above Morocco on goal difference, and a draw in their final game against Belgium on Thursday would guarantee they reach the last 16.

It was an especially sweet success for Croatia after Canada boss John Herdman irked Dalic's men with his profane attempt to inspire his players after a 1-0 defeat against Belgium in their group opener.

Canada competed gamely but has now lost all five matches in their World Cup history, with their only previous appearance in 1986 also ending in group-stage elimination.

Herdman's team took just 68 seconds to rock Croatia when Tajon Buchanan crossed into the Croatia area and Davies timed his run perfectly to power a header past Dominik Livakovic from 10 yards.

Canada's first ever World Cup goal was welcome redemption for Davies after the Bayern Munich star's penalty was saved by Thibaut Courtois in the Belgium defeat.

But the fastest goal so far in this World Cup served as a wake-up call for Croatia.

With Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic pulling the strings, Croatia's clever passing and movement gradually took a toll on Canada and they drew level in the 36th minute.

Kramaric was picked out by Ivan Perisic's deft reverse pass into the Canada area and he took a touch before drilling a fine finish into the far corner from an acute angle.

Croatia were hitting their stride and Hajduk Split forward Livaja, selected in place of Nikola Vlasic, repaid Dalic's faith in the 44th minute.

Josip Juranovic's run was halted just outside the Canada area, but Livaja pounced on the loose ball, nimbly shifting it out of his feet before sending a superb low strike past Milan Borjan.

Canada substitute Jonathan Osorio was inches away from equalising with a long-range blast that flashed just wide early in the second half.

Chances kept coming at both ends and Borjan plunged to his right to keep out Kramaric's close-range shot before Jonathan David's strike was 20 yards was tipped over by Livakovic.

The predatory Kramaric delivered the knockout blow in the 70th minute.

Perisic's cross reached Kramaric in the Canada area and he worked space for a left-foot finish that arrowed through Atiba Hutchinson's legs into the bottom corner.

Majer's tap-in completed the rout from Mislav Orsic's pass in stoppage time.

 Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque