Messi and Argentina humbled by Croatia

Croatia are through to the last 16 of the World Cup
after a stunning 3-0 victory in Nizhny Novgorod
which leaves Argentina in serious danger of exiting
at the group stage.
Ante Rebic made the most of a Willy Caballero
howler to open the scoring in the 53rd minute
before Luka Modric curled in a sensational second
(81) and Ivan Rakitic stroked in an injury-time third
to secure his side's passage to the knockout
stages.
But after their opening 1-1 draw with Iceland,
Argentina go into their final Group D game with
Nigeria with only one point and their hopes of
staying in Russia beyond the group stage are
hanging by a thread.
Both sides wasted glorious chances as the first half
somehow remained goalless.

Man of the Match - Ivan Rakitic
Croatia could lay serious claim to having the best
central midfield at this World Cup. Rakitic and
Modric were exceptional once again, ably supported
by the willing Marcelo Brozovic. It would be
tempting to give the award to Modric, especially
after that stunning goal, but Rakitic's quality and
consistency was rewarded with an injury-time tap in
and he just edges a close contest.

Man of the Match - Ivan Rakitic
Croatia could lay serious claim to having the best
central midfield at this World Cup. Rakitic and
Modric were exceptional once again, ably supported
by the willing Marcelo Brozovic. It would be
tempting to give the award to Modric, especially
after that stunning goal, but Rakitic's quality and
consistency was rewarded with an injury-time tap in
and he just edges a close contest. Messi had one of his bad games today.