Five things we learned: Argentina v Croatia
Pressure too much for Messi, and the door opens for Iceland's heroes again. It's five things we learned from Argentina v Croatia.
WEIGHT OF A NATION TOO MUCH FOR MESSI
Lionel Messi never looked like a man relishing the challenge of making amends for Argentina’s short comings in their World Cup opener against Iceland.
As the national anthems rang out, he was clearly very weary that the hopes and dreams of his compatriots 10,000 miles away rested on his shoulders there in the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. And it just never happened for him during the game - only 20 touches in the first half. He had a smattering of shots but none that ever really troubled Subasic.
When the final whistle blew he quickly made his way down the tunnel, understandably distraught and after retiring and returning to international duty in 2016, Tuesday’s game against Nigeria may be his last for Argentina.
ARGENTINA'S TACTICS WRONG AGAIN
It was an open first half with both sides squandering great chances but Argentina were particularly unprotected down the wings where Croatia should really have punished them.
Jorge Sampaoli made three changes from the lineup that face Iceland and tweaked the formation only for Croatia to easily find space in the final third. Willy Caballero’s mistake to give Croatia the lead was unforgivable, but Argentina were never set up to win.
THE DOOR OPENS FOR ICELAND
The heroes of the Euros are at it again and Argentina’s dismal start will give them the belief that they can continue their dream run at major finals.
A win against Nigeria followed by even a narrow loss to Croatia could be enough to see them through.
CROATIA HITTING FORM
Tonights victory for Croatia was the first time they’ve won two World Cup games back-to-back since 1998. They looked comfortable against Nigeria and, even though Argentina were poor, Croatia have defeated a side containing some the world’s greatest footballing talent.
If they can sort things at the back it wouldn’t be surprising to see them stretch that winning run to four or five.
WORLD CUP OF KITS
Nigeria’s kit stole all the headlines before the World Cup for its stylish design, but the Croat's away kit deserves plaudits too.
Would a slow motion replay of Modric curling the ball past a scrambling Caballero looked as good if he wasn’t wearing Croatia’s handsome black and blue strip?