Shocking defeat for Argentina on the hands of mighty Croatia, Pre Quarter dreams are now diminished for them. Argentina are on a verge of out of the 2018 FIFA World cup.
A complete nightmare. That was the game against Croatia for Argentina, who were unable to find their rhythm and paid a high price for Willy Caballero's mistake. With this result, the chances of advancing to the next round are incredibly slim.
What are Argentina chances of qualfying for Round of 16 ?
Iceland need to loose atleast one of their next match against Croatia/ Nigeria. If two draws then Argentina need to Win the match against Nigeria would be sufficient.
If Iceland Win 1 loose 1, then Argentina must win against Nigeria with keeping mind of Goal Difference. That is a big margin.
If Iceland Win 1 Draw 1, then Argentina is definitely out.
All these chances are based on assumption that Argentina will have a comprehensive Win against Nigeria.
First half, Argentina tried to take the initiative and enjoyed the lion's share of possession, they were unable to convert it into chances, with Sergio Aguero and a visibly ill-at-ease Messi largely anonymous. At hald time scores were 0 – 0.
At the second half, the Croatians promptly revealed the shortcomings of their opponents' rearguard. A penetrating presence on the right, Ante Rebic capped a fine display by capitalising on a Willy Caballero error with a superb finish. Quickly Sampioli move to attacking mode ; though Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala and Cristian Pavon all showed flashes of inspiration after coming on, there was to be no revival. Taking full advantage of Argentina's lack of composure at the back, Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic both scored to compound their misery.
Almost five years since his first (and before tonight, most recent) international goal, the No19 finishes as if he is a regular goalscorer on this stage. But he was gifted the opportunity by Willy Caballero, whose disastrous lofted pass fell straight to the Fiorentina forward – and he duly obliged with a thumping strike.
It's a stunning goal, that has stunned the Argentinian fans inside the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. The Croatian midfield maestro receives the ball outside the Argentina penalty area, and composes himself before unleashing a curling effort beyond the helpless Willy Caballero. Surely there's no way back for Sampaoli's side now?
Three goals and surely three points – along with progression to the round of 16 – for Croatia tonight. Zlatko Dalic's side broke with pace and overloaded the Argentinian defence. With La Albiceleste waiting for an offside flag that never came, Ivan Rakitic had the simplest of jobs to slot home.