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11:07, 17-Jun-2018
Croatia beat Nigeria 2-0 to take control of Group D
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Croatia started their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign off on the right foot, beating Nigeria 2-0 to claim an opening victory in their first Group D match at Kaliningrad Stadium.
Croatia took the lead against Nigeria through an own goal from Oghenekaro Etebo just after the half-hour mark.
Croatia's midfielder Luka Modric (L) celebrates scoring a penalty with teammate Ante Rebic during their Group D match against Nigeria. /VCG Photo
Croatia's midfielder Luka Modric (L) celebrates scoring a penalty with teammate Ante Rebic during their Group D match against Nigeria. /VCG Photo
Croatia put the game to bed in the 71st minute as Luka Modric converted a penalty kick after Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic was fouled in the box.
Croatian teammates celebrate following a Group D win against Nigeria at Kaliningrad Stadium. /VCG Photo
Croatian teammates celebrate following a Group D win against Nigeria at Kaliningrad Stadium. /VCG Photo
Croatia held on to grab a 2-0 win over Nigeria, and the three points that came along with it, to sit atop Group D. Croatia will next face Argentina on June 22.