Former semi-finalists Croatia, had an easy 2-0 win over Nigeria with a Luka Modric penalty and an own goal from Nigerian Oghenekaro Etebo in their FIFA World Cup Group D opener.
The much-hyped youngsters of Nigeria struggled against Croatia’s midfield technicians. Nigeria were content to sit back and allow Croatia to come to them.
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Croatia, semi-finalists at France ’98, have since struggled to live up to the expectations. They lost the World Cup opener 3-1 to hosts Brazil four years ago.
There is a sense of now-or-never for the Balkans nation at this tournament, in stark contrast to Nigeria, who brought the competition’s youngest squad to Russia.
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Just after the half-hour mark, Mandzukic chested a Andrej Kramaric cross back to Ante Rebic, whose fizzing shot was blocked. The resulting corner saw Rebic return the favour with a near-post flick on met by a diving Mandzukic.
Etebo was wrong-footed and bundled into his own net.
But just as Nigeria showed some signs of life, William Ekong held down Mandzukic from a cross in the area and referee Sandro did not hesitate to point to the spot.
Modric’s gilded right foot guided it to Uzoho’s right side.
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