The third day of the World Cup ended with intriguing D group matches between the teams of Croatia and Nigeria.
The representatives of the Old Continent confidently won the match 2:0.
From the very beginning of the match, Zlatko Dalić's disciples showed why they are called one of the favorites of the group. The Croats completely outplayed the Nigerian team's attack and tried to create chances themselves.
In the 13th minute, the shot by I. Perišić flew over the goal.
During the first half, the Croats earned a corner and while trying to clear the ball, Oghenekaro Etebo scored an own goal - 1:0.
In the 38th minute, I. Rakitić passed the ball to A. Kramarić, but the latter's shot flew over the crossbar. The half ended with S. Vrsaljko attempting to stop F. Ozuho in a very rare Nigerian attack.
The Croats continued to prevent Nigeria from demonstrating their usual game, and patiently waited for a chance to increase the lead. Such an opportunity arose in the 70th minute, when W. Troost-Ekong hugged M. Mandžukić in the penalty area, and L. Modrić accurately converted the penalty kick - 2:0.
Until the end of the match, Nigeria could not recover - the Croats secured the first three points in Group D.
Starting lineups of the teams:
Here we go - Match 4! #CRONGA pic.twitter.com/UokPd4IbtX
