How Lionel Messi’s Argentina can qualify for FIFA World Cup 2018 knock-out round

Lionel Messi’s Argentina look to book their berth in the FIFA World Cup 2018 knock-out round but it will be tough after losing heavily to Croatia on Thursday.

It was a night to forget in the FIFA World Cup 2018 for Argentina as they were handed a 3-0 defeat by Croatia in Nizhniy Novgorod on Friday.

Argentina can still qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2018 knock-out round despite losing 0-3 to Croatia.(AFP)

The 2014 runners-up looked completely helpless against a disciplined Croatian side who dominated proceedings for the majority of the game and goals from Ante Rebic, skipper Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic handed Argentina their biggest first round loss since 1958.

READ | How Croatia plan to stop Argentina from entering Round 2 of 2018 World Cup

Thanks to the heavy defeat, Argentina are currently last in Group D with just one point from two matches. However, they are not out of the tournament yet and Lionel Messi’s team can still reach the knock-out stages of FIFA World Cup 2018 with a win over Nigeria and favourable results in the other group stage matches.

Here’s a look at how Argentina can reach the Round of 16 stage of FIFA World Cup 2018 -

Argentina will have to beat Nigeria and hope that Iceland either draw or lose to Croatia in the other game. However, if Iceland wins their last game, the battle for the second spot will come down to goal difference and that means Argentina (-3) will have to register a big win over Nigeria.