2018 world Cup: Croatia defeated Argentina and went to the playoffs

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Croatia unexpectedly easily defeated the fearsome Argentinians and joined the list of participants of the playoffs of the world Cup.

The key moment of the match came in the 53rd minute Argentina goalkeeper Willy Caballero in a harmless situation gave the ball to Ante Rebić and the juicy volley sent the sphere under a crossbeam.

Croatia, linking hands and the feet of Lionel Messi, quietly kept the minimum advantage. In the end game of “Checkers” has a chance to counterattack than they twice took advantage of it. On 80 minutes, Luka Modric is the perfect long-range shot doubled the lead and in the end of the match Ivan Rakitic finished off the helpless Argentines.

Croatia exited early in the playoffs and almost guaranteed the first place in the group. Argentina for the first time since 1974 was not able to win at least one victory in the opening two world Cup matches. Now the fate of Lionel Messi and company depends on the match against Nigeria, and it is not excluded that even in case of victory, Argentina will go home.

Argentina — Croatia 0:3
Goals: Rebić, 53, Modric, 80, Rakitic 90+1

Argentina: Caballero — Mercado, Otamendi, Mascherano, Tagliafico — Acuña, Salvio (Pavone, 56) Perez (Dibala, 68), Messi, Mesa — Aguero (Higuain, 54).

Croatia: Subašić — Vrsaljko, Vida, Lovren, Strinić — Rakitić, Modrić — Brozović, Rebić (Kramaric, 57), Perisic (Kovacic, 82) — Mandžukić (Corluka, 90+3).

Warning: Mercado, Acuña, Otamendi — Rebić, Mandzukic, Vrsaljko

Standings: Croatia 6 (2 matches), Iceland – 1 (1), Argentina – 1 (2), Nigeria – 0 (1).

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