Summary
Nigeria kicked off their 2018 World Cup campaign on a losing note, following a 2-0 defeat to European side Croatia at the Kaliningrad Stadium in a Group D fixture on Saturday. Both sides were hoping to get a result after Argentina and Iceland finished the earlier group game in a score draw.
The Croatians were first out of the blocks in the first half of their opening game against Nigeria and got their due reward when Mandzukic’s header deflected of Oghenekaro Etebo into the Nigerian goal. The Nigerians came back stronger in the second half but were deflated when Mandzukic again was awarded a controversial penalty after he was adjudged to be fould by William Ekong. Luka Modric duly dispatched the penalty and there was no where back thereafter for the Nigerians whose late flurry came to zilch.
The defeat leaves Nigeria at the bottom after the first round of matches in Group D. Croatia sits top of the group with three points above Argentina and Iceland who sit second and third.
Moments
17′ Andrej Kramaric takes aim from distance – but his strike drifts just over the upright.
22′ Balogun sees blood in his face as he is hit by Vida
32′ GOAL! Croatia 1-0 Nigeria. A corner from right is flicked on towards Mario Mandzukic, whose header, which appeared to be going wide, came off the leg of Oghenekaro Etebo into the net.
48′ Leon Balogun comes close to an equalizer but Mario Mandzukic beats him to the header for another Nigerian corner.
70′ Penalty! A yellow card is awarded to William Ekong is adjudged to have upended Mario Mandzukic following a corner. Croatia is awarded a penalty.
71′ GOAL! Croatia 2-0 Nigeria. Captain Luka Modric steps up to take the penalty, sending Uzoho the wrong way.
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