Croatia wins on own goal and penalty at World Cup 2018

Croatia have the advantage on their way to the round of 16.

Goals: Etebo 32' own goal, Modric 71' penalty

Although not dominating in terms of ball possession, Croatia still showed their superiority over Nigeria in terms of handling situations and tactical discipline. Thanks to top stars like Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic or Mario Mandzukic, the European team always knows how to cause trouble for Nigeria's goal with simple attacks.

Croatia's lines also maintained a tight formation, making it difficult for the African team to organize attacks and almost solely relied on individual explosions.

Croatia's most effective player was veteran striker Mario Mandzukic. Although he did not score any goals, the Juventus star continued to leave his mark with his experienced plays that contributed to the victory.

In the 14th minute, he released the ball for Ivan Perisic to shoot over the bar. About 18 minutes later, the 32-year-old striker flew to head the ball, which bounced off Etebo and went into the Nigerian goal, helping Croatia open the score.

Mandzukic still plays very effectively for Croatia. Photo:Reuters.

Nigeria were largely unable to create an attack in the first 45 minutes, and had to look for opportunities with long-range shots. However, Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic did not have many opportunities to show his talent, thanks to the protection of the back four of Lovren, Vida, Strinic and Vrsaljko.

It wasn't until the start of the second half that Nigeria created some trouble for Croatia, including a header from close range by defender Leon Balogun that flew over the bar in the 47th minute.

It was also a rare situation where Croatia lost control. After escaping, the European team once again established a safe defensive position, limiting Nigeria's space. In the opposite direction, Croatia continued to attack with simple and effective attacks.

Mandzukic reaffirmed his importance when he brought down a penalty in the 71st minute. Defender William deliberately pulled down the Croatian striker in a corner kick situation, while the referee stood very close to observe. Making no mistake, captain midfielder Luka Modric kicked accurately to seal a 2-0 victory.

Nigeria played more explosively towards the end of the match, but could not turn the situation around. The African team's chance to reduce the score in the 87th minute was in vain when winger Victor Moses' shot was too slow and the ball hit the opponent's defender's leg.

Modric fired a powerful shot from the penalty spot.

Croatia beat Nigeria to take the lead in Group D of the World Cup after the first round of matches. Argentina and Iceland, who drew 1-1, are behind with the same number of points.

Croatia will meet Argentina in the next round. This is a decisive match for the South American representative, while Mandzukic and his teammates are not under too much pressure in terms of points.

*Results of Day 3 of the 2018 World Cup*