Argentina vs Croatia

Nizhny Novgorod Stadium
Jun 21, 2018 23:30 IST
Full Time
Rebic
(54')
Modric
(81')
Rakitic
(91')
Mercado
(52')
Otamendi
(86')
Acuna
(88')
Rebic
(40')
Mandzukic
(59')
Vrsaljko
(68')
Corluka
(91')
Croatia beat Argentina (3 - 0)
  • Argentina
    ARG
    Croatia
    CRO
  • 58%
    POSSESSION
    42%
  • 0
    GOALS
    3
  • 10
    SHOTS
    15
  • 3
    SHOTS ON TARGET
    5
  • 15
    FOULS COMMITED
    23
  • 3
    YELLOW CARDS
    4
  • 0
    RED CARDS
    0
  • 3
    OFF SIDES
    3
  • 5
    CORNER KICKS
    2
Match Info
  • Tournament name FIFA World Cup, 2018
  • Venue Nizhny Novgorod Stadium
  • Date Jun 21, 2018 11:30 PM IST
  • Attendance 43319
Match Completed
91'
Corluka
91'
Mario Mandzukic
Vedran Corluka
91'
Rakitic
88'
Acuna
86'
Otamendi
83'
Ivan Perisic
Mateo Kovacic
81'
Modric
69'
Enzo Perez
Paulo Dybala
68'
Vrsaljko
59'
Mandzukic
58'
Ante Rebic
Andrej Kramaric
57'
Eduardo Salvio
Cristian Pavon
55'
Sergio Aguero
Gonzalo Higuain
54'
Rebic
52'
Mercado
Half Time
40'
Rebic
Kick Off

Argentina

3-4-3
  • 10
    Lionel Messi
    19
    Sergio Aguero
    13
    Maximiliano Meza
  • 18
    Eduardo Salvio
    14
    Javier Mascherano
    15
    Enzo Perez
    8
    Marcos Acuna
  • 2
    Gabriel Mercado
    17
    Nicolas Otamendi
    3
    Nicolas Tagliafico
  • 23
    Willy Caballero
MIDFIELDER
11
Angel Fabian Di Maria Hernandez
Midfielder
22
Cristian Pavon
Midfielder
15
Enzo Nicolas Perez Segui
Midfielder
7
Ever Maximiliano David Banega
Midfielder
20
Giovani Lo Celso
Midfielder
5
Lucas Rodrigo Biglia
Midfielder
13
Maximiliano Eduardo Meza
Midfielder
GOALKEEPER
12
Franco Armani
Goalkeeper
1
Nahuel Ignacio Guzman Palomeque
Goalkeeper
23
Wilfredo Daniel Caballero Lazcano
Goalkeeper
FORWARD
9
Gonzalo Gerardo Higuain
Forward
10
Lionel Andres Messi Cuccittini
Forward
21
Paulo Bruno Exequiel Dybala
Forward
19
Sergio Leonel Aguero
Forward
DEFENDER
4
Cristian Daniel Ansaldi
Defender
18
Eduardo Antonio Salvio
Defender
16
Faustino Marcos Alberto Rojo
Defender
6
Federico Julian Fazio
Defender
2
Gabriel Ivan Mercado
Defender
14
Javier Alejandro Mascherano
Defender
8
Marcos Javier Acuna
Defender
3
Nicolas Alejandro Tagliafico
Defender
17
Nicolas Hernan Gonzalo Otamendi
Defender

Croatia

4-2-3-1
  • 17
    Mario Mandzukic
  • 18
    Ante Rebic
    10
    Luka Modric
    4
    Ivan Perisic
  • 7
    Ivan Rakitic
    11
    Marcelo Brozovic
  • 2
    Sime Vrsaljko
    6
    Dejan Lovren
    21
    Domagoj Vida
    3
    Ivan Strinic
  • 23
    Danijel Subasic
MIDFIELDER
14
Filip Bradaric
Midfielder
7
Ivan Rakitic
Midfielder
10
Luka Modric
Midfielder
11
Marcelo Brozovic
Midfielder
8
Mateo Kovacic
Midfielder
19
Milan Badelj
Midfielder
GOALKEEPER
23
Danijel Subasic
Goalkeeper
1
Dominik Livakovic
Goalkeeper
12
Lovre Kalinic
Goalkeeper
FORWARD
9
Andrej Kramaric
Forward
18
Ante Rebic
Forward
4
Ivan Perisic
Forward
17
Mario Mandzukic
Forward
20
Marko Pjaca
Forward
16
Nikola Kalinic
Forward
DEFENDER
6
Dejan Lovren
Defender
21
Domagoj Vida
Defender
15
Duje Caleta-Car
Defender
3
Ivan Strinic
Defender
22
Josip Pivaric
Defender
2
Sime Vrsaljko
Defender
13
Tin Jedvaj
Defender
5
Vedran Corluka
Defender
90'
Croatia earn a resounding win
Croatia played a close game through the first 45 minutes but that all changed in the second half. Croatia came out swinging and ended up scoring three goals. One from a mistake, one from brilliance, and the final from an easy effort. Croatia compeltely dominated the game in the second half and could have scored even more goals. The will move on to the next round and they look a very dangerous team. Argentina go out in defeat and shame. Though they still have one more game to play, and have a chance of moving on in this tournament, Argentina look completely defeated. The team lacked pace and movement in the second half after they allowed the first goal. The players seemed to stop trying and they let Croatia run all over them. The team is under fire and will need to change drastically if they hope to even get a result against Nigeria.
90'
The final whistle
The whistle blows and Croatia gets all three points from three goals against Argentina.
90'
Another yellow for Croatia
The ref hands out another yellow, this time to newely subbed on Marcelo Brozovic.
90'
Last sub in the game
Croatia make the change with Mario Mandzukiccoming off and is replaced by Vedran Corluka.
90'
Rakitic with the dagger
Ivan Rakitic puts the nail in the coffin as Argentina looks to have given up at the end of this game. Play between Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Rakitic gets the third goal.
90'
4 minutes added on
Argentina have four minutes to get back into the game.
90'
Dybala's shot is block
Paulo Dybala controls the ball at the top of the box and looks to take a shot. At the last second Domagoj Vida comes in to block the shot behind for a corner.
90'
Yellow Card
Vedran Corluka (Croatia)
90'
Substitution
Vedran Corluka (on). Mario Mandzukic (off). (Croatia)
90'
Goal
Ivan Rakitic. Assist by Mateo Kovacic (Croatia)
89'
Croatia still threaten
Croatia is the team that is attacking late into the match. They are searching for another goal while Argentina look helpless and have not had a good chance in quite some time.
87'
Acuna booked
Yet another yellow card is awarded in this match. This time it goes to Marcos Acuna for a hip-check.
87'
Yellow Card
Marcos Acuna (Argentina)
86'
Rakitic hits the woodwork
Ivan Rakitic takes the freekick and hits the corner of the post and crossbar. The ball almost sneaks in for the goal and could have been Croatia's third goal of the game.
85'
Otamendi gets yellow
Javier Mascherano fouls Ivan Rakitic hard and tempers flare as this game comes to a close. Otamendi gets a yellow for kicking the ball into Rakitic's head. The ref is trying to keep control of this game.
85'
Yellow Card
Nicolas Otamendi (Argentina)
84'
Higuain takes a tame shot
Gonzalo Higuain attempts to pull one back for Argentina but his shot is weak and falls right to Danijel Subasic.
82'
Croatia makes their second sub
Ivan Perisic makes way for Mateo Kovacic. Croatia still has one more substitution for this match.
82'
Substitution
Mateo Kovacic (on). Ivan Perisic (off). (Croatia)
80'
Modric produces the second
Croatia enjoy some sight of the ball as Argentina look lethargic in midfield. A steal leads to Luka Modric having the ball and he works it on the top of the box. He takes a shot and curls it into the right side of the net. Putting this game far out of reach from Argentina. Willy Caballero did not have a good chance at the save.
80'
Goal
Luka Modric. Assist by Marcelo Brozovic (Croatia)
79'
Subasic sure in goal
Paulo Dybala attempts a cross into the box but the ball is too high and far. Danijel Subasic easily collects the ball.
78'
Argentina searching for an equalizer
Argentina are the team attacking as they look to even this match. They earn a corner on the right-side but nothing comes of it.
76'
Ref angers Argentina
Tempers flare as the refs blows a stop to play since Ivan Rakitic is on the ground in pain. Argentina is not happy with this since they believe it is an attempt to waste time at the end of the game and they were on the attack.
73'
Croatia threaten
Mario Mandzukic picks up the ball on the right side of the field and makes a run towards the box. His cross gets intercepted by two Argentina defenders. The ball is eventually cleared away before Lionel Messi is fouled by Ivan Strinic.
71'
Dybala attempts a shot
Paulo Dybala receives the ball on the right side of the box and tries a shot. His shot goes high over the net.
70'
It is getting chippy
The game has become incredibly physical now as both teams are lunging into challenges and putting their weight into opposing players.
68'
Argentina's final sub
Enzo Perez comes off the field for Paulo Dybala. This is Dybala's first apperance this tournament after not being used against Iceland.
68'
Substitution
Paulo Dybala (on). Enzo Perez (off). (Argentina)
67'
Vrsaljko gets himself a yellow
Sime Vrsaljko fouls Marcos Acuna on the ride side by the sideline. He earns himself a yellow card. 3 Croatian players currently have gotten a yellow in this games.
67'
Yellow Card
Sime Vrsaljko (Croatia)
66'
Mandzukic almost gets a goal
Ivan Rakitic plays a beautiful cross to Sime Vrsaljko who gives it to Mario Mandzukic in the box. The Striker narrowly misses his shot as the ball goes into the side-netting.
65'
Vida with a fantastic tackle
Cristian Pavon was running to the ball on the right side but Domagoj Vida recovers quickly and makes a great diving tackle to get a goal kick for his team.
64'
Argentina almost puts it in
Gonzalo Higuain gets the ball on near the touchline in the box and he puts the ball back into the box. Both Maximiliano Meza and Lionel Messi are unable to put it into the net as Danijel Subasic saves the ball. Argentina earns a corner.
62'
Pavon gets a cross in
Lionel Messi dances around multiple defenders in the Croatian half and lays it off to Gonzalo Higuain who passes it to Cristian Pavon. Pavon tries a cross into the middle but it gets cleared. Argentina earn a throw-in.
58'
Mandzukic earns a yellow
Mario Mandzukic fouls Maximiliano Meza at the half-way line and gets himself a yellow card..
58'
Yellow Card
Mario Mandzukic (Croatia)
57'
Substitution
Andrej Kramaric (on). Ante Rebic (off). (Croatia)
56'
Substitution for boht teams
Cristian Pavon comes on for Eduardo Salvio on the Argentina side and goalscorer Ante Rebic comes off injured and is replaced by Andrej Kramaric
56'
Croatia look for a second
Ivan Perisic plays well on the right side to get a cross towards Mario Mandzukic but the striker is not able to get enough power and the ball goes behind for a corner.
56'
Substitution
Cristian Pavon (on). Eduardo Salvio (off). (Argentina)
54'
Higuain comes in
Just after allowing the goal, Gonzalo Higuain comes on as a sub for Sergio Aguero
54'
Substitution
Gonzalo Higuain (on). Sergio Aguero (off). (Argentina)
53'
Goal
Ante Rebic (Croatia)
51'
Rebic gets brought down
Gabriel Mercado fouls Rebic after he recieve a great pass from Luka Modric. Mercado earns a yellow for his foul at the half-way line.
51'
Yellow Card
Gabriel Mercado (Argentina)
50'
Cross by Perisic
Perisic does good work on the right flank to work the ball towards the box and attempts a cross into the middle. No Croatian player is there to meet is and the ball is cleared.
48'
Sloppy play at the back for Croatia
The trend continues in the second half of Croatian players playing slow and poor passes while in their defensive half.
46'
Argentina get the second half started
Argentina takes the kick-off to start action in the second of this 0-0 match. Argentina will now attack the left side goal.
45'
Neither team has the advantage
Argentina has controlled majority of possession but they have been wasteful in the final third of the field. Messi has not had as large of an impact as Argentina may hope, he will need to find his way into the game and create more chances. Jose Sampaoli may make a change at half-time to amp up his side. Croatia has been largely on the back-foot but have had wonderful chances of their own. They have been equally as wasteful. Ante Rebic already has a yellow card this match and seems in danger of earning a red card for the way he is playing. Three Croatian players sit on a yellow and if they do not want to miss their final match against Iceland they will need to be cautious.
45'
Half-time is whistled
It's been a tough match with both teams comitting many fouls. Both teams also wasted golden opportunities but the game goes into the half scoreless.
45'
Rebic wastes a great ball
Luka Modric plays a wonderful pass to Ante Rebic who is making a run in the middle but Rebic is unable to control the ball initially. After he recovers he takes a shot that goes high.
45'
2 minutes added on
Both teams will have at least 2 minutes to find a goal before half-time.
43'
Opportunity for Croatia
Ivan Perisic puts in a long ball to Ante Rebic but he is unable to fully control the kick and instead is called for a foul as he wrestles with the Argentina defender.
39'
Rebic called for another foul
This time Eduardo Salvio goes down as Ante Rebic is once again the perpetrator. This time he earns a yellow for his actions.
39'
Yellow Card
Ante Rebic (Croatia)
36'
Foul called on Rebic
Ante Rebic pounces on a ball that is meant for Gabriel Mercado but Mercado gets there first and the ref blows the whistle for a foul. Mercado stays down injured and receives treatment.
32'
Wasted chance for Croatia now
A wide cross from Sime Vrsaljko into the box makes its' way to Mario Mandzukic at the far post but he puts his header wide despite being free of a marker.
32'
Croatia look uncomfortable at the back
Multiple times now, the communication in the backline for Croatia has been lacking and they have played errant passes and look slow to move the ball. Argentina are close to pouncing on one of these balls.
30'
Wasted chance for Argentina
A misscomunication at the back allows the ball to roll free in the box as Danijel Subasic misses the ball. It falls to Enzo Perez took the shot but he missed on a wide open net pulling his shot wide.
28'
Messi attempts to pick out Aguero
Lionel Messi controls the ball on the right side of the field after a giveaway and attempts a cross into the box but the cross is short and Danijel Subasic gathers the ball.
27'
Meza's corner is poor
Maximiliano Meza takes the corner but he swings the ball too much and the ball hits the side netting before reaching another player.
27'
Aguero wins a corner
Sergio Aguero takes the ball down the field into the box. He attempts a cross but Ivan Strinic heads the ball out of bounds.
24'
Croatia attacking more
Argentina controlled the game for the early part of the match but Croatia are coming into their own and are stringing together periods of possession that lead to attacking opportunities.
22'
Argentina get close on the other end
Marcos Acuna gets the ball from a long kick by Willy Caballero. His shot seems to go behind the goal but instead bounces off the top of the crossbar and stays in play. Nothing else comes from the play.
21'
Brozovic tries his luck
Croatia controled the play near the Argentina box and the ball comes out to Marcelo Brozovic who attempts a shot but the shot is blocked and Willy Caballero gethers easily.
20'
Mandzukic called for a foul
A slow distrabution from Willy Caballero allows Mario Mandzukic to almost get onto the ball in the Argentina box but he is called for a foul on Nicolas Tagliafico.
19'
Modric fouled
Argentina is furious as the ref calls a foul for Modric in front of the Croatia penalty area after they claim that Enzo Perez was fouled just seconds earlier.
16'
Perez fouls Rakitic
Ivan Rakitic slides in to win the ball while Enzo Perez attempts to do the same but Rakitic is the first to the ball thus the foul is called on Argentina.
13'
Blocked shot
Maximiliano Meza receives the ball at the top of the box from Eduardo Salvio and his shot gets blocked by Dejan Lovren to send it behind for a corner.
12'
Messi has hit first opportunity
A high ball almost makes it's way to Lionel Messi in the box but the ball is too high for him to latch onto and Danijel Subasic collects.
10'
Chance for Croatia
Ivan Rakitic hits a wonderful ball to the charging Sime Vrsaljko but the defender is unable to get a clean ball to Ante Rebic and Rebic cannot get a shot off before Nicolas Tagliafico closes him down.
9'
Foul on Tagliafico
Nicolas Tagliafico committs a foul as his challenge is a bit off against Mandzukic and the Argentine steps on his foot.
6'
Deep corner amounts to nothing
The corner is swung in deep but is knocked clear of the box and Ivan Rakitic is unable to control the ball to take a shot or set up a teammate.
5'
Close by Perisic
A long ball from Danijel Subasic allows Ivan Rakitic to have a headed flick on to Ivan Perisic who runs down the left side and gets his shot off. He forces the save out of Willy Caballero who pushes it behind for a corner.
2'
Argentina have the ball early
Argentina have had the lions share of possession in the first few minutes but have not had much threatening possession near the penalty area.
1'
Croatia get the game started
Croatia has the first kick-off wearing their black kits while Argentina is in their traditional white and sky blue stripes.
0'
Teams are out onto the field
Argentina and Croatia are lined up for the national anthems in preperation for the kick-off of this match.
0'
Group D - Matchday 2 - Argentina vs Croatia
The line-ups for both sides have been announced and Argentina are sporting many player changes and a switch in formation. The team will move to a 3-4-3 from the 4-2-3-1 they had in their dissapointing draw against Iceland. Gabriel Mercado, Enzo Perez, and Marcos Acuna will all start with Angel Di Maria, Marcos Rojo, and Lucas Biglia starting the game on the bench. Croatia will make only one change from their win against Nigeria as Marcelo Brozovic will start the game. He takes over Luka Modric's spot and Modric will move up the field to take over Andrej Kramaric's spot and Kramaric is on the bench for this game.