FIFA World Cup 2018: Croatia thrash Argentina, seal spot in round of 16

Willy Caballero's clanger presented Ante Rebic with an opportunity he could not refuse, and Croatia rolled on to a stunning 3-0 victory over Argentina that sent them into the last 16 of the World Cup. Jorge Sampaoli's side produced an abysmal second-half display that severely damages its hopes of following Croatia out of Group D, with Caballero's stray pass to Gabriel Mercado that was volleyed home by Ante Rebic in the 53rd minute proving the turning point Thursday.

Updated on: Jun 22, 2018 1:54 AM IST

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Croatia entered the last 16 with a commanding 3-0 win over Argentina as Lionel Messi’s side face an uphill task to stay alive in the race for the next round in the FIFA World Cup 2018 (REUTERS)

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Updated on Jun 22, 2018 1:54 AM

Argentina squared off in a crucial Group D clash, knowing that only a victory would help them stay in the race for the play-offs after the draw with Iceland. (REUTERS)

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Argentina dominated possession against Croatia, a team determined to enter the next round and break their jinx against South American nations in the World Cup. (REUTERS)

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Updated on Jun 22, 2018 1:54 AM

Both Croatia and Argentina created chances in the first half but no one capitalised as both teams finished the first half 0-0. (REUTERS)

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Willy Caballero made a horrible mistake as he failed to clear the ball and Croatia's Ante Rebic scored the first goal in the 53rd minute. (REUTERS)

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Updated on Jun 22, 2018 1:54 AM

Ante Rebic capitalised on some shoddy keeping from Caballero and Argentina were put under pressure. (REUTERS)

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Updated on Jun 22, 2018 1:54 AM

Tempers started to rise with Argentina players arguing with the Croatian players as the game slipped away from them. (REUTERS)

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Luka Modric put the game in Croatia’s favour with a stunning goal in the 80th minute to extend Croatia’s lead to 2-0 in the 80th minute. (REUTERS)

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Updated on Jun 22, 2018 1:54 AM

Luka Modric received the ball outside the Argentina penalty area, and composed himself before unleashing a curling effort to score the goal of the match. (REUTERS)

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Updated on Jun 22, 2018 1:54 AM

Ivan Rakitic put the game beyond doubt with a goal in the 90th minute as Croatia inched towards a famous win. (REUTERS)

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Updated on Jun 22, 2018 1:54 AM

Goals from Rebic, Modric and Rakitic gave Croatia a magnificent 3-0 win as they sealed their spot in the last 16. (REUTERS)

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Updated on Jun 22, 2018 1:54 AM

This was the first time since the 1998 edition in France that Croatia had entered the last 16 of the tournament. (REUTERS)

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Updated on Jun 22, 2018 1:54 AM

After this loss, Lionel Messi’s Argentina face a massive task as they aim to enter the last 16. (REUTERS)

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Updated on Jun 22, 2018 1:54 AM

Argentina’s last game is against Nigeria and they must win it and hope for other results going their way if they are to enter the last 16. (REUTERS)