Modric can’t wait to meet Argentina

Even in a more defensive role, Luka Modric can still lead the attack.

"We did our best at every moment".

The Leicester City midfielder added: "It would be more hard without him but he's on our side and we hope he continues to be with us, so why speculate on something like that?"

"We were just focused on our game and it was an important win which will boost our confidence for the forthcoming matches". Two decades later, the Croatian squad featuring Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic and Mateo Kovacic, came to Russian Federation with high expectations and a halo of another "golden generation".

Maradona was also seen smoking in the VIP area during the game in Moscow despite an official ban on smoking at World Cup venues. "They probably would open a little bit more and we could get more space". One of those points was an own goal by the Nigerian side.

Former Watford star, Odion Ighalo, did get a header on target an hour into the game, but with no pace put on it towards the centre of the goal, it was an easy save for the untested Danijel Subasic.

But Hannes Halldorsson guessed correctly and palmed away the Argentine skipper's side-footed effort and, despite intense pressure, Iceland held on for a famous draw in their debut at a World Cup finals. Ronaldo was on Halldorsson's mind for other reasons on Saturday, however, when asked why Icelanders celebrated so much when they only drew. It will be a joy to play against one of the best teams in the world. "Let them learn from this match, from this defeat".

But Nigeria lost 2-0 to Croatia in their Group D opening game on Saturday.

A win for Croatia against Argentina on Thursday would likely send the Croats to the round of 16.

Modric and Rakitic pushed their team forward and did not allow Nigeria's midfield to reach its fast, young forwards.

"Victor Moses became the first Chelsea player to suffer defeat at Russian Federation 2018 when a lacklustre display from Nigeria resulted in defeat by Croatia, " Chelsea wrote on their official website. "Corners and penalties are part of football", he said. "What matters is you score", Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said.