Argentina on the brink of elimination after a crushing defeat to Croatia
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Lionel Messi’s quest for an elusive World Cup crown seems all but over after Argentina were humbled 3-0 by Croatia in an almost make-or-break match in Nizhny Novgorod on Thursday. The catastrophic defeat has put the two-time former champions on the brink of a humiliating World Cup exit.
After their lackluster 1-1 draw against Iceland in their opening game, which also saw Messi missing a penalty, Argentina needed a win against Croatia to stay in contention for a second round berth.
Croatia’s Luka Modric celebrates after scoring against Argentina. /VCG Photo

Croatia’s Luka Modric celebrates after scoring against Argentina. /VCG Photo

However, a clinical performance by the European side not only shattered Messi and Argentina’s dream of clinching their first win at this World Cup but also secured a second round berth for Croatia.
A howler by goalkeeper Willy Caballero, a spectacular strike from Luka Modric and a Ivan Rakitic goal sealed the game for Croatia in the second half leaving. 
It was the heaviest defeat for Argentina in the first round group stages of a World Cup tournament since they lost 1-6 to Czechoslovakia in 1958. Croatia now sits at the top of Group D with six points from two games while both Iceland and Argentina have one apiece although the former will play against point-less Nigeria today.
“I had to devise a plan for this match. If I had set things up differently, things might have turned out much better. I don't think it's realistic to put the burden on Caballero (for his mistake),” said Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli.
Argentina's Lionel Messi looks dejected after his side concedes a second goal against Croatia. /VCG Photo

Argentina's Lionel Messi looks dejected after his side concedes a second goal against Croatia. /VCG Photo

“I think because of the reality of the Argentinian squad, it clouds Leo's brilliance. Leo is limited because the team doesn't gel ideally with him as it should. As coaches we need to realize these things and try to deal with them and I'm the one that needs to accept it.”
It is the first time that Croatia have progressed past the World Cup group stages since their third-placed debut in 1998. 
“From day one I've trusted my team. I didn't believe we would be through after the second game, but I believed we would be through eventually,” said Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic. “Argentina weren't confused, we were excellent.”
Meanwhile, the Argentine press came down heavy on their team’s “catastrophic” defeat and tore into Messi and his boys. “Catastrophe against Croatia, Argentina disappoints and is on the way out of the World Cup,” the Clarin newspaper wrote on its website. Another daily, La Nacion, added “Argentina were ridiculed by Croatia and has jeopardized its future in the competition.” 
(With agency inputs)