Modric schools young guns

Own goal, penalty and Croatia’s midfield brilliance spoil Nigeria’s party in Group D clash

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.

"We have the youngest team in this World Cup," Rohr said. "Let them learn from this match, from this defeat."

‘Win puts pressure’

Croatia midfielder Luka Modric feels his team's 2-0 triumph over Nigeria puts more pressure on Group D favourites Argentina.

"They (Argentina) have quality but this win will boost our confidence and I hope we can play well against them," Modric told reporters after the game.

Croatia are now top of the group ahead of Iceland and Argentina, who drew 1-1 draw earlier in the day.

"It is going to be a difficult match. Maybe against the favourites in our group... but they will have to play for a win because of the scoreline today (Saturday) that they never expected."

Croatia take on Lionel Messi's Argentina on Thursday in Nizhny Novgorod.

Messi's penalty was saved by Iceland goalkeeper and Modric was asked if he was nervous too before his own take.

"I wasn't (nervous). I was focused on scoring. Thank God that I scored," he said. "Nothing more to say about that really."

Meanwhile, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic made light of the fact that both the team's scoring opportunities resulted from set pieces. "A win is a win. Corners and penalties are part of football. What is important is that you score. There was luck there but we earned it.”

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.