Modric scores 1, sets up another as Croatia tops Nigeria, 2-0

KALININGRAD, Russia— Even in a more defensive role, Luka Modric can still lead the attack.

The Croatia midfielder scored one goal and set up the other in his team’s 2-0 victory over Nigeria on Saturday at the World Cup.

Modric sent in a corner that was headed by two teammates and then deflected into the net by Nigeria midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo in the 32nd minute.

“We scored at the perfect moment. After that it was easier for us to play our game,” Modric said. “After the first goal we started creating chances.”

Modric later converted a penalty in the 71st after William Ekong held onto Mario Mandzukic. It was the fifth penalty awarded in four World Cup matches on Saturday.

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr felt his team also deserved a penalty.

“There were also so many fouls in the other box, they could have also given a penalty for us,” Rohr said.

Croatia, with Modric and Ivan Rakitic controlling the midfield, dominated most of the match and rarely allowed Nigeria to get close to goal. It took nearly an hour for the Nigerians to have an effort on target—a header by Odion Ighalo straight at goalkeeper Danijel Subasic.

Croatia now leads Group D with three points and next plays Argentina on Thursday in Nizhny Novgorod. Nigeria will take on Iceland a day later in Volgograd.

GROUP DYNAMICS

Croatia’s victory sent it to the top of the group after Argentina could only manage a 1-1 draw against Iceland.

A win for Croatia against Argentina on Thursday would likely send the Croats to the round of 16. Nigeria, however, now needs a win against Iceland on Friday to have any real chance of advancing.