Argentina vs Croatia, FIFA World Cup 2018, Highlights: As it Happened

Croatia's win against Argentina is their first against a South American side at the World Cup, and the first time Argentina have lost on the 21st of June at the World Cup

This was Argentina's biggest loss since a 6-1 defeat to the Czechoslovakia in 1958! 

Full time: Croatia beat Argentina 3-0. 

This has been a very embarrassing defeat for Argentina. They are not knocked out as yet and mathematically have a chance to make it through to the next round still. But is there enough gas in the tank? Unlikely! 

GOAL: Rakitic adds a third as he and Kovacic literally walk it in to the goal past Caballero! Sampaoli looks like he wants to be somewhere lese at this point in time. 

1998 was when Croatia and Argentina last met at the World Cup with Argentina winning that game then. It was also the World Cup that Croatia lit up thanks to Davor Sukur. Is there a repeat on the cards with Croatia's golden generation? 

Ivan Rakitic gives Argentina yet another scare, as his free-kick beats everyone and hits the cross bar. An inch lower and that was another goal. Not the thing Argentina need now! 

The tempers are flying as Otamendi is show a yellow card after he clashed with the Croatian players. The Argentine players are frustrated and it is showing now. They are losing their temper at the slightest provocation. 

With 8 minutes to go plus added time, Argentina have to really pull something out of the hat here now. 

GOAL: Sensational finish by Luka Modric! From outside the penalty box, he lines it up and hammers it past Caballero. Croatia lead 2-0 as Messi and Co look set for defeat.

Rakitic's shot is blocked by Mercado to keep Argentina in this. But for how long? 

Croatia are throwing men into defense now, even Mandzukuic is back defending the set pieces along with the rest. 

Rakitic and Otamendi's coming together has seen the Barcelona man come out the worse of the two. There is edge and nerves in this contest. 

Croatia meanwhile are getting Real Madrid man Mateo Kovacic ready as they look to close this down with 15 minutes left in the game. Rakitic is down in the centre circle as Messi continues to drive on with the ball. 

Messi is angry here and the emotions are getting in the way of his reactions as he reacts rather angrily to Kramaric's tackle. The master can feel the pressure of the situation and it does not make for good viewing. 

Messi has dropped deep in search of service and has Dybala and Higuain are up front ahead of him. Messi plays it to Higuain who brings it down for Dybala. The Juve man has a go with his favoured left foot, but it is over the top. That's a trademark shot of his, and Argentina will hope it works well today. 

20 minutes to go in the contest, and Croatia are in no hurry when they have the ball. Argentina have it all do as their opponents look to slow things down. 

Sampaoli has thrown in Paulo Dybala as a last throw of the dice. 

Croatia are creating chance after chance and are threatening Caballero's goal more than ever. Vrsaljko's ball into Mandzukic eventually is hit outside the frame of the goal, but nervy moments once again for Argentina's defense. 

Croatia are creating chance after chance and are threatening Caballero's goal more than ever. Vrsaljko's ball into Mandzukic eventually is hit outside the frame of the goal, but nervy moments once again for Argentina's defense. 

GOAL!!! WHAT A TERRIBLE MISTAKE FROM WILLY CABALLERO! GREAT FINISH FROM REBIC! #ARGCRO #ARG #CRO #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/9DRK2LYQyr

— FIFA World Cup (@WorIdCupUpdates) June 21, 2018

Croatia escape!! Higuain finds the by line and pulls it back for Meza who shoots but Subasic saves and before Messi can pounce Rakitic gets in the way. Argentina have not come this close today. 

Messi trying to go through the whole Croatian defense with his quick feet but he's once again crowded out. 

Messi has Higuain and Pavon for company in attack now. No sign of Paulo Dybala as yet. 

Diego Maradona watches on from the stands and he is looking stressed. 

Jorge Sampaoli is absolutely livid with his goal-keeper Caballero and he needs the team to pull up their socks sooner rather than later. 

Perisic crosses it in from the right and Mandzukic earns a corner for Croatia who will surely look to power on from here. 

GOAL: Ante Rebic scores with a superb finish to give Croatia the lead. Argentina's defense falls apart in horrific fashion. Caballero's clearance is mistimed and Rebic finishes it off with one touch and one quick move. 

Tagliafico plays it in to Aguero after Messi found him! The shot is weak and Subasic collects easily. 

Tagliafico plays it in to Aguero after Messi found him! The shot is weak and Subasic collects easily.