Preview: Lionel Messi is going to have a hard time keeping up with Cristiano Ronaldo at this year’s World Cup. The Argentina great had a penalty kick saved during his team’s tournament-opening 1-1 draw with Iceland. At 31, this could be Messi’s last World Cup, and Thursday’s match against Croatia is crucial as the longtime Barcelona forward tries to deliver his first major title for Argentina. Messi’s biggest rival, Ronaldo, seems less burdened during what could also be his final World Cup run. [caption id=“attachment_4566251” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Luka Modric celebrates after scoring against Argentina. AP/Ricardo Mazalan[/caption] Ronaldo has scored a tournament-leading four goals — all of Portugal’s goals so far — while silently needling Messi. After his first goal, the 33-year-old Ronaldo stroked his chin, implying that he was the “GOAT,” an acronym for “greatest of all time.” Messi is featured in ad with a real goat. And when Ronaldo took the field for Portugal’s 1-0 win over Morocco, he sported a goatee on his previously clean-shaven chin. He promptly scored with a header in the fourth minute. Croatia leads Group D after its 2-0 win over Nigeria, and another victory would put Argentina in a precarious position. Veteran midfielders Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic shined in the opener, with Modric scoring one goal and setting up another. Croatia hasn’t advanced past the group stage since 1998, and this could be the last chance for Modric, Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic, all of whom are over 30. Another veteran provided a bit of drama for Croatia. Coach Zlatko Dalic sent home Nikola Kalinic because the striker wouldn’t come off the bench as a substitute. The team will continue with 22 players. With inputs from agencies Click here for full coverage of FIFA World Cup 2018 Click here to view the full schedule of FIFA World Cup 2018 Click here to view the points table of FIFA World Cup 2018
Highlights, Argentina vs Croatia, FIFA World Cup 2018, Match 23 in Nizhny Novgorod: Croatia win 3-0
Catch the live score and updates from Match 23 of the FIFA World Cup between Argentina and Croatia
 "Highlights, Argentina vs Croatia, FIFA World Cup 2018, Match 23 in Nizhny Novgorod: Croatia win 3-0")
An entertaining match
That’s all for tonight. Hope you have enjoyed our coverage of the match. It was indeed an entertaining one all thanks to Croatia. We will back again tomorrow with the live coverage of Brazil vs Costa Rica game. There are also two other matches tomorrow – Nigeria take on Iceland and Serbia face Switzerland.
Match stats!
Teams qualified so far: #RUS #URU#FRA #CRO #WorldCup#ARGCRO pic.twitter.com/u3MuGO9Sc8
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 21, 2018
Crushing defeat!
1 - This was Argentina’s heaviest defeat in the first round group stages of a World Cup tournament since losing 1-6 to Czechoslovakia in 1958. Crushed. #ARG #CRO #ARGCRO
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 21, 2018
ARG 0-3 CRO
With the win, Croatia seal a spot in Round of 16, joining Russia, Uruguay and France. They defeated the Nigerians in the first match and today, they were simply phenomenal against Argentina. Every Croatian player contributed today in their team’s win. It’s too early to say but this team has the quality to go all the way in the tournament.
ARG 0-3 CRO
Argentina is on the brink of World Cup elimination. On this evidence, a massive turnaround will be required against Nigeria even if other results fall their way. As for Croatia, they can celebrate a convincing display which has carried them to the knockout stage
Full time! ARG 0-3 CRO
What a match for Croatia. They completely dominated Argentina and were the deserving winners of the night. World Cup dream over for Argentina and Messi? In two matches they played, Argentina and Messi were unimpressive.
90+3’ ARG 0-3 CRO
Argentina’s night of misery is compounded by a third goal from Croatia. With Messi and Co still pushing forward, the Croats swarmed forward and Rakitic had the simplest of finishes to seal Argentina’s fate
90+2’ ARG 0-3 CRO
The focus will be on Argentina today but Croatia have been very impressive. It is a side with plenty of options at its disposal, as evinced by the switch between Kramaric and Mandzukic in the forward positions. The Croats are likely to top the group and avoid France in the round of 16 which must make coach Dalic very happy
90+2’ ARG 0-3 CRO
It’s all over for Argentina. Rakitic gets the third goal for his team and Croatia are ending up as deserving winners of the game.
88’ ARG 0-2 CRO
It has all kicked off as Otamendi kicks the ball out of frustration on the fallen Rakitic’s head. Seems like the resignation is seeping in among the Argentinean players.
85’ ARG 0-2 CRO
Could’ve been 3-0. Rakitic beats the wall but the ball hits the top of the crossbar. The man deserves a goal for his outing tonight.
85’ ARG 0-2 CRO
Argentina players clearly frustrated. Stupid from Otamendi to kick Rakitic despite the Croatian player being down.
83’ ARG 0-2 CRO
You suspect that is it. The Argentina defenders stand off Modric and he powers home from about 20 yards. He has been full of life today and Croatia are on their way to the round of 16. Glum faces in the Argentinean camp
82’ ARG 0-2 CRO
OH SENSATIONAL!
Modric with a stunning shot from outside the box to beat Caballero. This is looking game over for Argentina!
77’ ARG 0-1 CRO
Argentina are not pleased with the referee for stopping play when a good attacking situation was developing. The hurt Rakitic is taken off the pitch even as Messi registers his disapproval with Modric. The majority Argentina crowd jeers in unison
73’ ARG 0-1 CRO
After Dybala’s introduction, Argentina has Higuaín and Messi playing together upfront while Dybala and Pavon are situated out wide. Meza has been asked to play centrally now
70’ ARG 0-1 CRO
Argentina going for it now, as Enzo Pérez is replaced by Paulo Dybala. But they will have to be careful on the counter with Croatia enjoying more space in the centre of the pitch
68’ ARG 0-1 CRO
Last change for Argentina. Dybala comes on in place of Perez.
67’ ARG 0-1 CRO
Thanks to the change in formation, Argentina are no longer being outnumbered in the wide areas. Although Argentine defenders are still not as quick as Croatia, Pavon and Meza are positioned high and wide to increase the pressure on the opposition defence
66’ ARG 0-1 CRO
Argentina responded poorly to going behind but a sense of purpose seems to be returning to Messi. An incisive run from Messi signaled a change in intention
63’ ARG 0-1 CRO
Croatia survive thanks to superb save from Subasic. Higuain’s bal from the left finds Meza who should be scoring from six yards. Subasic, though, palms it away.
60’ ARG 0-1 CRO
Higuaín replaces Agüero and it seems like Sampaoli is moving to a four-man defence as he makes another change. Pavon, who had Impressed against Iceland, comes on for Salvio. Otamendi and Tagliafico in central defence while Mercado moves out to right-back. A 4-2-3-1 system with Messi playing behind Higuaín; Meza and Pavon manning the flanks
55’ ARG 0-1 CRO
Changes for both the teams.
Salvio is taken out and in comes Pavon. Also, Higuain replaces Sergio Aguero.
For Croatia, Kramaric comes off the bench to replace Rebic.
54’ ARG 0-1 CRO
Rebic scores! Argentina’s mission for self-destruction continues. A miscued clearance by Caballero allowed Rebic to volley home, a goal which spells disaster for Argentina. You can’t say Croatia haven’t deserved it
53’ ARG 0-1 CRO
WHAT A HOWLER!
Goalkeeper Willy Caballero miscued a simple clearance as Rebic volleys the ball into the net and Croatia take the lead in the game.
51’ ARG 0-0 CRO
First Argentine yellow card of the night and it goes to Mercado for a cynical challenge on Rebic.
45’ ARG 0-0 CRO
Second-half is underway. Argentina will have to up the ante. Croatia should look to be more clinical up front.
True that!
Fewest touches in the first half of #ARGCRO:
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 21, 2018
🇦🇷 Sergio Aguero (7)
🇭🇷 Ante Rebic (17)
🇭🇷 Ivan Perisic (17)
🇦🇷 Lionel Messi (20)
🇭🇷 Mario Mandzukic (20)
🇦🇷 Willy Caballero (22)
Not often you see Messi in a "fewest" list... pic.twitter.com/IoeN7FZEiH
The first-half stats!
ARG 0-0 CRO
Rebic and Perisic have switched wings but this has no effect on the scoreline. It is Croatia, though, who are in control at half-time. Argentina has put in another diffident performance and it’s not looking great for Messi and his teammates. A draw today will make their road even wobblier
Half-time! ARG 0-0 CRO
Croatia were in terms of chances created but they have nothing to show for it. Argentina and Messi struggled with inconsistency.
45’ ARG 0-0 CRO
Chance for Rebic from a terrific ball from Modric but the striker hits it to the crowd sitting behind the post.
40’ ARG 0-0 CRO
Sampaoli is furious with the referee for only booking Ante Rebic for his foul on Salvio. He is asking for a video review but it will not be forthcoming
35’ ARG 0-0 CRO
Argentina is sorely missing Ever Banega here. They could do with a passer in midfield who would bring a semblance of control to their play
32’ ARG 0-0 CRO
Messi watch: Waking, jogging, dithering
30’ ARG 0-0 CRO
Croatia lucky not to go goal down after a defensive mishap. Lovren unsure of clearing lets Salvio get hold of the ball and the full-back passes it on to Perez, who faces an open goal, sends the ball wide.
29’ ARG 0-0 CRO
Agüero has often been accused of not producing the kind of football he does for City when he plays for Argentina. Nobody can blame him tonight. He has been his team’s biggest threat, showing verve and pace in the final third
26’ ARG 0-0 CRO
All eyes on Lionel Messi tonight. But it is the Croatian number 10, Luka Modric, who is having more of an influence. It must only help him that nobody has been asked to mark him tightly. The few times Mascherano has tried, the results haven’t been great
20’ ARG 0-0 CRO
Argentina has certainly come out with a plan to press Subasic. Twice now, he has had a close shave with an opposing forward running him close
13’ ARG 0-0 CRO
Close! Messi makes the move from the right, passes it to Aguero who drills a neat pass to Salvio but the full-back’s shot from the box is blocked by Lovren.
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