Modric has ’em rocking after penalty seals points
CROATIA took a firm grip of Group D last night – courtesy of a fluky own goal and Luka Modric penalty.
Stoke City’s new Nigerian signing Oghenekaro Etebo put the Croats in charge in the 32nd minute when unluckily diverting Mario Mandzukic’s wayward header into his net.
If that was cruel, William Troost-Ekong’s rugby-tackle foul on Mandzukic in the second half – which resulted in Modric’s killer spot-kick – was sheer madness.
Victory for Croatia, who reached Russia via the play-offs, puts them in the driving seat to make the last 16.
At least Argentina’s 1-1 draw with Iceland earlier in the day means Nigeria’s chances of reaching the knockout phase for a third time are far from finished.
Croatia kicked off in Kaliningrad as firm favourites.
Indeed, many reckoned this was the most exciting line-up in the country’s relatively short football history.
A point easily proven in the first half as the European side slowly assumed control of a scrappy contest.
They were unfortunate not to be ahead in the 13th minute when Ivan Perisic, fed by Mandzukic, drove fiercely towards goal but a shade high.
Then Andrej Kramaric, who bagged 13 goals for German club Hoffenheim last season, went close to opening his account in Russia with a snap shot.
In the 32nd minute, though, they finally seized the initiative from Modric’s corner.
Atletico Madrid hitman Mandzukic met the set-piece with a diving header which was at least a yard off target before striking Etebo and dribbling inside the far post.
Streaky, yes, but Croatia deserved the lead.
Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi was denied a 44th-minute equaliser by Dejan Lovren’s brilliant block in a moment which could have turned the game on its head.
After the break Nigeria were much better until TroostEkong’s ridiculous challenge in the 69th minute.
Modric then made no mistake from the spot, firing home sweetly to the bottom left-hand corner to seal all three points and top spot in the group – for now.