[Find out how Argentina edged Nigeria by clicking here.]
——
Here’s how Croatia beat Iceland:
GAME OVER: Iceland Eliminated
Croatia completed a perfect 3-for-3 first round and eliminated Iceland with a 2-1 victory in Rostov on Tuesday. Croatia advances to play Denmark in the round of 16.
90’: GOAL CROATIA!
Croatia buries Iceland! A turnover by a thin-at-the-back Iceland leads to an easy break and a goal by Perisic.
88’: Other Game: Argentina Scores Again
Argentina scores in the other game. That gives Iceland an opportunity, but it must score. And Croatia is dominating.
85’: Finnbogason Subs Out
And that’s all for Iceland striker Finnbogason. A curious substitution. Gudmundsson will replace him.
84’: More Yellow!
Yellow to Saevarsson of Croatia. The game is getting chippy.
83’: Croatia Picks Up Another Yellow
Jedvaj gets the yellow card for tripping.
83’: Iceland Feels the Heat
Increasing desperation for Iceland. They will need to score, and will be rooting for Argentina to do so as well.
81’: Sub for Croatia
Croatia turns to Rakitic as a sub.
80’: What’s at Stake
The permutations are confusing. But with Argentina and Nigeria tied at 1-1, Iceland still needs two more goals. If it wins 2-1, Nigeria will go through on goal difference.
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76’: GOAL ICELAND!
A penality on Iceland in the 75th minute for a handball in the box by Lovren as he tried to block a cross gives Croatia a shot. Sigurdsson (the other one, Gylfi) takes it. And it’s in! Iceland ties it up and is back in with a chance!
73’: No Defender, Still No Goal
Bjarnason is just half a step too slow to get to a cross with no defender between him and the goal.
72’: Iceland Makes a Sub
Sigurdarson in, Sigurdsson out for iceland. Got that?
67’: Croatia Gains Momentum
After a good spell by Iceland to start the half, Croatia has had the best of it over the last 10 minutes.
64’: Another Yellow for Iceland
This time it’s Alfred Finnbogason, for roughing.
Iceland Battles
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59’: Yellow Card for Hallfredsson
Iceland gets its first yellow card of the match after an aggressive challenge by Hallfredsson.
55’: Ingason Just Misses
Iceland nearly answers as Ingason’s header from just in front of goal goes over.
And then seconds later his header off a corner goes over as well.
53’: GOAL CROATIA!
Badelj pounces on a loose ball in the box and punches it home. Disaster for Iceland, who will now need at least two goals.
52’: Croatia Stopped by Crossbar
Badelj of Croatia takes a shot from deep, and it nicks the crossbar and goes over! First good chance for Croatia in a while.
49’: Can Croatia Keep it Up?
Remember that Croatia has not given up a goal in the Cup so far. That’s the defense (with a few substitutions) that Iceland is trying to crack.
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47’: Sigurdsson’s Not So Sly
Sigurdsson deliberately lines up a free kick and aims it at his tall compatriots, but it goes straight to the keeper.
46’: Second Half Underway
Iceland has to get on the board, but one goal might even be enough to knock out Argentina.
Don’t Forget to Spot the Ball!
Messi Update
Did you miss Lionel Messi’s goal in the Argentina vs. Nigeria game? Take a look:
Messi almost had a second goal, too:
Halftime: Iceland Needs a Goal Soon
Iceland has come close to scoring a few times. With Argentina leading just 1-0 for now in the other game, Iceland is still just one goal away from qualifying for the next round.
Iceland has 6 shots to Croatia’s 4 and is playing a direct style that should lead to more opportunities. With Croatia less motivated, Iceland is far from out of it at this point.
44’: Overboard
The easy-to-spot Hallfredsson (he’s completely bald) launches one far over the net.
41’: Painful Miss for Iceland
A turnover leads to Iceland getting in the box with numbers. And the man you’d want to shoot, Finnbogason, does shoot. But his shot is just wide.
40’: Fancy for Nothin’
Modric gets some space and starts a Croatia move, but a lot of fancy footwork by Kramaric doesn’t lead to a shot.
Intensity Picks Up
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37’: Croatia Isn’t Close
Perisic turns and shoots for Croatia, but it’s wide.
32’: Iceland is Hungry
Sigurdsson’s curling free kick draws a save from Kalinic. Iceland is pressing for a goal now.
29’: Shot Goes Wide
A Magnusson header in a promising position off a Gudmundsson corner goes wide.
26’: Corluka Takes One to the Face
Bjarnason of Iceland gets to the end line, but a possible promising cross is blocked by Corluka’s face.
Iceland’s Fans Are Ready
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24’: Iceland Can’t Stay Cool
Croatia is dominating the possession, 71-29 percent, and playing with the calm of a team already through to the next round, while Iceland looks a little jittery.
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19’: A Bloody Bjarnason Plays On
Corner to Croatia. Modric takes one at one corner, then one from the other. No good chances emerge. Bjarnason is playing on with plenty of bloody wadding jammed up his nose.
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14’: Yellow Card for Pjaca
Bjarnason of Iceland takes an elbow to the face from Pjaca and is down for lengthy treatment. There’s a lot of blood coming from his nose. The Iceland fans fire up their famous Thunder Clap routine.
Pjaca gets a yellow card.
9’: Pjaca Goes Down, No Call
A scary run by Marko Pjaca of Croatia ends with him going down in the penalty box. No call.
7’: Croatia’s New Look
If you miss Croatia’s classic red and white checkerboard jerseys, take a closer look at these. They are black and deep, dark blue checkerboards.
6’: Croatia Playing Keepaway
Good ball control by Croatia in the early going, but it shows little urgency to bring the ball to net. Iceland is going to need to get some possession before it even thinks about scoring.
Kickoff!
Croatia in black, Iceland in white.
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Iceland vs. Croatia: Live Updates, Score and Reaction from 2018 World Cup Game
Iceland (National Football) vs Croatia (National Football)
Rostov-on-Don
Luka Modric's Croatia are already through to the knockout stages of the World Cup but a point from their final group game against Iceland would secure top spot and a meeting with Denmark in the next round. Iceland need a win and a favour from Argentina in Group D's other match
Iceland are looking to make a play for second place in Group D and Croatia are they only ones that stand in their way.
The Croatian team has been very successful so far but they are expected to rest several players following a press conference given by coach Zlatko Dalic last week. This is no surprise as Croatia have already secured their place in the round of 16.
Their comfortable position will allow them to rest several players who may be at risk of suspension if they receive another yellow card. Two notable players who have already received yellow cards are Ivan Rakitić and Mario Mandžukić
If Argentina beat Nigeria then Iceland could be in with a chance to make it through to the knockout stage of the competition.
Follow all the live action below
Live Updates
Read more...
Good evening and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of tonight's Group D games as Argentina look to salvage a so-far terrible World Cup for the South Americans. They play against Nigeria needing a win, while Croatia face Iceland in the other game. Both kick off at 7pm... Let's break down how it stands in Group D and what that means for tonight's matches: Croatia sit at the top of the table with 6 points, Just below them are Nigeria with 3 points, Iceland sit in third with 1 point, and Argentina bring up the rear with 1 point. So what does that mean? Croatia are already through but a win against Iceland would cement their place at the top of the table, A win for Nigeria sends them through and also knocks out Argentina and Iceland If Iceland beat Croatia they'll move up to 4 points and will have go rely on goal difference to get through, Argentina have to beat Nigeria, a win will move them above the African nation and providing Croatia don't lose they'll go through You all understand that right? It's a massive, massive night for Argentina, progress through to the last 16 could give them the momentum they need to kick start their tournament but they sit on the brink of elimination Ed Malyon explains how they got here Leaked WhatsApps and post-match punch-ups: The inside story of Argentina's World Cup In a story of politics and player revolt, infighting and backbiting, Argentina's tortured time in Russia could scarcely have gone worse The teams news is in for both games, how do you think these sides stack up? Quite a few changes for Argentina, Caballero is dropped after his howler against Croatia, with Franco Armani coming in. Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain start but there's no place for Sergio Aguero in the line-up Lionel Messi has failed to score with his last 22 shots in matches at World Cup finals. But over the last two years he has scored 14 goals in 18 games for Argentina. Can their talisman save Argentina tonight? Croatia have made nine, yes nine changes, replacing the entire back line as well as the goalkeeper. They're obviously resting the main players for the next round of the competition so maybe Iceland could get something out of this game after all. This man starts though... Who's hoping for more of this tonight? Just a quick word about Nigeria's kit, it's awesome! That is all... 10 minutes to go, this video of Messi's old teammates talking about him on BBC 1 has really go me excited, let's hope his brilliance comes to play tonight! KICK OFF: NIGERIA 0 - 0 ARGENTINA The game is underway and Argentina look to have more intent in this match already, than they did against Croatia 4 mins: NIGERIA 0 - 0 ARGENTINA Mercado tries to slip Higuain in on the right wing but it's a sloppy pass and it goes out, the quality isn't quite there yet but Argentina continue to look aggressive in attack 6 mins: NIGERIA 0 - 0 ARGENTINA Nigeria break away and find space in front of Argentina's goal but Otamendi's makes a solid block at the back, the ball comes to Messi who darts forward and is brought down 8 mins: ICELAND 0 - 0 CROATIA Pjaca makes a good run for Croatia, he gets the ball 30 yards out from the Iceland box, and he turns and runs at the defence, he's brought down on the edge on the box and could have had a free kick but the referee wasn't interested 12 mins: NIGERIA 0 - 0 ARGENTINA Mascherano makes a mistake for Argentina and passes the ball to Iheanacho brings it towards goal, but he's two indecisive and Argentina clear it away. 14 mins: NIGERIA 0 - 1 ARGENTINA - Messi GOAL! Banega finds Messi with a long ball over the defence from the half way line, Messi brings it down, takes one touch to find the space in the box and fires a right footed shot across goal to give Argentina the lead 18 mins: NIGERIA 0 - 1 ARGENTINA Moses wins a corner for Nigeria but they don't make any use of it, it's cleared and Angel Di Maria is brought down on the breakaway 19 mins: ICELAND 0 - 0 CROATIA A good period of play for Croatia here, they've dominated possession so far and they win a corner, Modric whips it in and there's a scramble in the box, Iceland defend well but it's another corner 25 mins: ICELAND 0 - 0 CROATIA Magnusson is sent down the left side and he races Corluka to the touchline but the Croatian defender gets there first and clears the danger Next
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What time is it?
Iceland vs Croatia kicks off at 19:00 at the Rotsov Arena.
Where can I watch it?
Live coverage is available on BBC Four and online via the BBC Sport website.
Odds
Iceland: 23/10
Croatia: 11/10
Draw: 23/10
Prediction
Croatia have been the strongest side in Group D over the last two games. They are expected to rest some key players which definitely increases the chance Iceland have of winning. However, Croatia are still expected to win.
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Croatia beat Iceland 2-1 to top Group D, face Denmark in round of 16Four minutes of injury time addedPerisic scores to hand Croatia 2-1 lead in the dying minutes of the match.Kovacic leaves the field with Croatia bringing Rakitic on.G Sigurdsson converts the penalty kick to make it 1-1 for Iceland.Iceland get a penalty kick after the ball touches the hand of a Croatia defender deep in the box.Iceland miss a golden chance to make it 1-1. Finnbogason runs towards the penalty area, sends in low cross at the far post but Bjarnason fails to get it there.Change for Iceland. Iceland bring on Sigurdarson in place Ragnar Sigurdsson.Another change for Croatia, Pjaca makes way for Lovren.Bradaric comes in to replace Modric for Croatia.Iceland's Alfred Finnbogason gets the yellow card for sliding in on Croatia keeper Kalinic.Hallfredsson of Iceland shown the yellow card for a foul on Pjaca.Badelj makes no mistake this time as he fires a half-volley into the net to give Croatia 1-0 lead.Croatia had a best chance of the match so far. Milan Badelj's shot hits the goal post. Luck survival for Iceland.Iceland get the free kick. Sigurdsson takes it and Croatia keeper Kalinic grabs it safely.Second half gets underway with Croatia taking the kick.Iceland 0-0 CroatiaCroatia keeper Lovre Kalinic comes up with spectacular save, makes a superb dive to deny Gunnarsson's shot. He tips the ball around the post.Two minutes of injury time addedAnother shot for Iceland at goal. Hallfredsson's shot from 30 yards flies over the bar.Iceland has been unlucky so far in the contest. Finnbogason takes the ball and shoots it from the 18 yards but goes just wide of the bar.Croatia Ivan Perisic controls the ball and fires a volley from 25 yards which goes wide of the target.Iceland is clearly dominating the proceedings with their numerous attacks. Magnusson had a chance but his effort was blocked by Croatia defence.Free kick for Iceland. Gylfi Sigurdsson unleashes it towards the goal. Croatia keeper Lovre Kalinic manage to take the ball.Iceland had a corner. Magnusson collects the pass but his header goes high over the bar.Iceland miss the chance. Gunnarsson with long throw-in from the left touchline but no player able to connect with their head.Croatia get the first corner of the match. Iceland defence easily avert the danger.Meanwhile, Messi scores to give Argentina 1-0 lead Nigeria in other Group D match.Marko Pjaca gets yellow card for his foul.Birkir Bjarnason is bleeding heavily and leaving the field and after being hit by Marko Pjaca.Croatia's Marko Pjaca had a chance. He takes the possession of the ball, runs through Iceland's box but goes down after colliding with Iceland's Gunnarsson.Iceland on the attack on the edge of the box from left side, Gylfi Sigurdsson sends in a low cross but Croatia defender clears it easily.Both Croatia and Iceland off to a sedate start. No shot on the goal so far.Referee blows the whistle and the match gets underway with Iceland taking the opening kick.Players are out on the field and it's time for national anthem at Rostov Arena.Luka Modric will lead an almost entirely revamped Croatia when his already-qualified team takes on Iceland in their final Group D game at the World Cup on Tuesday.The midfielder is one of two players along with Ivan Perisic named by coach Zlatko Dalic in the lineup who also started in Croatia's resounding 3-0 win against Argentina.Iceland have made three changes, with Jon Bordvarsson being left on the bench to leave Alfred Finnbogason as a lone striker in front of a five-man midfield.Croatia will top the group with at least a draw while Iceland must win to have a chance of reaching the last 16 while also needing the Nigeria-Argentina result to go their way.Hannes Thor Halldorsson; Birkir Mar Saevarsson, Sverrir Ingi Ingason, Ragnar Sigurdsson, Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson; Emil Hallfredsson, Aron Gunnarsson (C); Johann Berg Gudmundsson, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Birkir Bjarnason; Alfred FinnbogasonLovre Kalinic; Tin Jedvaj, Vedran Corluka, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Pivaric; Luka Modric (C), Milan Badelj; Ivan Perisic, Mateo Kovacic, Marko Pjaca; Andrej KramaricHello and welcome to the live coverage of the Group D match between Iceland and Croatia at the 2018 World Cup at Rostov Arena.
