Match Overview
The Argentina vs Croatia match was a thrilling encounter that showcased the best of both teams. The match took place on June 15, 2018, during the FIFA World Cup in Russia. It was a Group D fixture, and both teams were vying for a spot in the knockout stages.
Team Lineups
Argentina | Croatia |
---|---|
Gerard Martino | Zlatko Dalic |
Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero | Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Perisic, Luka Modric |
Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Rojo, Ezequiel Garay | Dejan Lovren, Vedran Corluka, Domagoj Vida |
Enzo Perez, Giovani Lo Celso, Marcos Rojo | Andrej Kramaric, Ivan Perisic, Luka Modric |
Wilfredo Caballero | Stipe Pletikosa |
Key Moments
The match was a true spectacle, with both teams displaying their attacking prowess. Here are some of the key moments from the match:
1. Early Pressure from Argentina
Argentina started the match with a lot of intensity, and they almost scored in the first minute. Messi had a chance to open the scoring, but his shot was saved by Pletikosa.
2. Croatia’s Counterattacks
Croatia, on the other hand, were not to be outdone. They had a couple of good counterattacks, with Mandzukic and Perisic both going close to scoring.
3. Messi’s Miss
Argentina’s best chance of the first half came when Messi was put through on goal. However, his shot was blocked by Lovren, and the chance was gone.
4. Croatia’s First Goal
In the 59th minute, Croatia took the lead. Ivan Perisic received a pass from Modric and fired a low shot into the bottom corner, leaving Caballero with no chance.
5. Argentina’s Equalizer
Argentina responded quickly, and in the 65th minute, they equalized. Messi received a pass from Di Maria and calmly slotted the ball into the net, making it 1-1.
6. Croatia’s Second Goal
Just a few minutes later, Croatia took the lead again. Kramaric received a pass from Perisic and scored with a powerful header, making it 2-1.
7. Argentina’s Late Push
Argentina pushed for an equalizer in the dying minutes, but they couldn’t find the back of the net. The match ended 2-1 in favor of Croatia.
Player Performances
Both teams had standout performers in this match. Here are some of the notable performances:
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi was once again the star of the show for Argentina. He was involved in most of Argentina’s attacking moves and had a goal and an assist to his name.
Ivan Perisic (Croatia)
Perisic was the architect of Croatia’s goals. He provided the assists for both of Croatia’s goals and was a constant threat throughout the match.
Luka Modric (Croatia)
Modric was the heartbeat of Croatia’s midfield. He was instrumental in both of Croatia’s goals and was a key player in their defensive setup.