ARGENTINA-CROATIA BIG MATCH FACTS

This was Croatia’s first victory in five attempts against South American nations at the World Cup.

This was Argentina’s heaviest defeat in the first round group stages of a World Cup, since losing 1-6 to Czechoslovakia in 1958.

Argentina have failed to win either of their opening two group stage matches for the first time since 1974.

This was Croatia’s joint-second-biggest World Cup victory. They beat Cameroon 4-0 in 2014 and Germany 3-0 in 1998.

Argentina are now winless in their last four World Cup games (D2 L2), their longest-ever such run in the competition.

This is only the second time Croatia have won both of their opening two games at a World Cup, after the 1998 tournament that saw them reach the semi-finals.

Ante Rebic’s goal was only his second for Croatia, and his first since August 2013 in a friendly against Liechtenstein.

Two of Luka Modric’s four goals in major tournaments for Croatia (Euros and World Cup) have been from outside the box.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi didn’t manage an attempt on goal until the 64th minute.

Messi has had more shots than any other player so far at this World Cup (12), but has failed to score with any of them.