Supp. Nine 'Jorge SampOUTi'

Earlier this month, when Croatian captain and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric and his countryman Dejan Lovren were charged with Perjury for their part in the terrible drama surrounding Croatian footballing lord Zdravko Mamic, it became a common thought that the side would suffer from internal issues which would go some way to impairing the way they could perform at the World Cup. How wrong we were.

As Argentina failed immeasurably in front of their millions of fans including legend Diego Maradona at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Croatia lifted their heads into a vacuum above the clouds. The European outfit played admirably, and with a cohesion and togetherness Argentine manager Sampaoli can only dream of emulating. Midfielder Perez almost punished an early mixup at the back for Croatia but that was about it. Mandzukic went close and the first half went by goalless.

Just eight minutes into the second half, however, forward Rebic leathered home after a lamentable mistake by Chelsea’s Caballero - Argentina were on the back foot and it wasn’t getting any better. Ten minutes from time, after frustrating Messi and Argentina, Captain Modric hit a wonderful effort from outside the 18 yard box and cemented a win for Croatia. This before Rakitic, wanting more in added time, finished from similar range and provided the sucker punch against Argentina. The South American’s will have to perform against Nigeria or they will not progress - unfathomable for Messi.

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In Group C France took on fan favourites Peru, with Olivier Giroud coming in to Deschamps side after the narrow victory against Australia. After dominating in large parts, Mbappe touched home from close range a goal bound Giroud effort: it would prove to be the only goal of the game and the French will look to progress even more as their place in the knockout rounds is all but secured. There are still issues around selection for Deschamps which he must solve, especially with Giroud back in the picture.

Australia also secured a great point to Denmark in Group C. The Danish took an early lead through Spurs talisman Christian Eriksen after a delightful left footed volley. Later in the half a VAR-influenced decision from an incident off a corner awarded the Australian’s, and Jedinak, their second penalty of the tournament. The Villa midfielder converted and although both sides had chances, the match finished with the spoils to be shared - leaving the both outfits still in with a shout of progressing.