Sports Desk/ Muhammad Shakib
The two times world cup winner Argentina is facing the elimination threat in this year’s FIFA World Cup as the Latin side lost their second match of the group stage against Croatia by 3-0 goals. Messi’s Argentina failed to beat the European side after having a draw in the previous game.
The match kicked off at 12 am Bangladesh time on Thursday at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhegorodskaya oblast’, Russia. The Latin side began to push forward their attack from the beginning of the game yet failed to execute any goal. Several chances were created for the Argentines but in vain due to the lack of accuracy and sometimes the Croatian goalkeeper skillfully saved the shots.
The first half ended up without any goals and with the beginning of the second half the table began to turn. The breakthrough came on the 53rd minute with a miss pass from the Latin goalkeeper Caballero. The Croatian winger Rebic didn’t fail to execute a volley and lead the European side by 1-0 goal.
Having the intense pressure upon the team, Sampaoli’s men tried their best to break the Croatian defensive lines yet failed. Croatia doubled their lead with their skipper Luka Modric’s outstanding long range goal on the 80th minute of the game. And finally the Latin side broke their hope completely when the Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic scored the third of the night on the 90thminute to seal their place on the round of 16.
Argentina has to depend upon Iceland for being able to be qualified or not. The equation has now come into a complex one and it will be decided upon the match between Iceland and Nigeria that to be kicked off today (Friday).
Image: Getty