FIFA World Cup 2018: Croatia qualifies for round of 16
Lionel Messi and Argentina disappoint.
It was a day that belonged to Croatia. Croatia has become the fourth team to qualify for the round of 16. It not only recorded its first ever win over a South American team but also put the former World Champions Argentina on verge of elimination. Only a miracle can see Argentina into the knock out round.
Three goals, all in the second half, were not only the result of the brilliance of the Croatians but also spoke volumes of the errors or blunders the South American soccer giants made. The third and final goal came in the first minute of extra or wastage of time.
The goal of the match was the second goal by Croatian skipper, his 50th in international soccer and second of the current World Cup. He fired a salvo from outside the box that gave Argentine defence no chance to defend. It came in the 80th minute and virtually sealed the fate of Argentina.
Though the fans expected that Lionel Messi would do little better than what the Portuguese skipper Ronaldo has done in this World Cup. But Messi, inspite of trying hard, has remained clueless so far. he could not score even once in two games as Argentina remained winless.
After a draw against debutants Iceland in the opener much was expected of Lionel Messi and his men against Croatia. Goals by Rebic, Midric and Rekitic, however, sealed the fate of Argentina.
