An own goal and a penalty handed Croatia the victory over Nigeria in the both sides opening encounter at the 2018 World Cup in Kaliningrad. Nigeria and Croatia approached the game in a very lethargic manner with missed chances and less creative plays. Empirically, Nigeria wasn’t outclassed by the technically superior Croatia.
The first half ended with a deflected header that bounced off the feet of Oghenekaro Etebo to register as an own goal. In the second half, the Nigerian team managed to have just one shot on target. William Troost-Ekong had a contest with Mandzukic in the 18-yard area and that resulted in a penalty that was superbly converted by Luka Modric.
With this win, Croatia becomes to first European side Nigeria will lose an opening fixture to at the FIFA World Cup. Nigeria will place Iceland next and Croatia will face Argentina.
