Croatia started their World Cup campaign with a win over Nigeria in Kaliningrad as Modric scored by a penalty and Oghenekaro Etebo conceded with his own goal. Mario Mandzukic played well with a part to play in both the goals. This was a very important win for Croatia given that Group D is one of the toughest in this year’s tournament and is being called the Group of Death!
Nigeria was not at their best, given that they fielded a team which managed to beat Argentina last year.
Croatia’s first goal came when Mandzukic connected well with his head and his header deflected off Oghenekaro Etobo before trickling over into the goal. The second goal came on the 70th minute mark when William Troost-Ekong wrestled Mandzukic to the ground with a clumsy challenge inside the box resulting in a penalty. Modric took the spot kick and sent the Nigerian keeper the wrong way, to score and make it 2-0 for Croatia.
