Argentina are on the brink of an early World Cup exit after 0-3 loss to Croatia. A dreadful error from goalkeeper Willy Caballero paved the way for Croatia to join the last 16.
In a match where everyone was expecting to see the magic of Lionel Messi, Caballero made the biggest mistake that allows Ante Rebic to volley into an exposed net in the 53rd minute.
After the horror moment, Argentina rallied inside the opponent's half but Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Pablo Dybala failed to find a way through.
Croatia turned defensive after the break. But then, there was a moment of magic by their own number 10. Luka Modric curled a shot from range drifted beautifully beyond Caballero's gloves to put his side two ahead
And in the injury time, Rakitic tapped-in for the third goal that moves the Europeans through to the knockout stage.
Argentina are no longer in control of their own destiny. This defeat follows their opening 1-1 draw with Iceland, in which Messi missed a penalty, and now even a heavy win over Nigeria in their final game on Tuesday may not be enough to send them through to the next round.
Should Iceland beat Nigeria in their second Group D game on Friday, Iceland would need only a draw against Croatia in their final match.
Photo: FIFA
Photo: FIFA
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