Modrić Shines as Croatia Cruise Past Nigeria

Just as the USA has Alaska and Hawaii, Russia has Kaliningrad.

A Prussian possession -- and birthplace of Immanuel Kant --until 1945 when Stalin absorbed it for the USSR as well as the other Baltic regions, it somehow remained with Russia after the Iron Curtain crumbled.

Why is this of note in a World Cup report?

Well, because that's where Croatia and Nigeria were banished as part of Group D and because it has more of a shot at leaving Russia than the Super Eagles had of being super against those blazin' Vatreni.

 

Simply put, Croatia registered a comfortable 2-0 victory over an offensively shy and unlucky Nigeria.

One of the goals was a penalty, joining each of the other three Saturday matches in that regard. Unlike Lionel Messi and Peru's Christian Cueva, the Blazers' Luka Modrić didn't miss.

Strangely enough, there wasn't a shot on target until the 32nd minute. That is when the first Croatian goal happened, though.

Modrić’s corner buzzed straight to Mario Mandzukić’s head. Dude didn't get credit for the score because the ball deflected off Oghenekaro Etebo and then went in.

 

Bummer for the Super Eagles, déjà vu for Croatia.

Going back to 2014 in Brazil, this was their second World Cup opening game own goal in a row.

It would've been cool to report that the Nigerians redoubled their effort after this faux pas and steeled themselves for a challenge that only rolls around every four years.

But they didn't. even players like Alex Iwobi and Victor Moses were making silly mistakes.

 

Some Eagles got it. Some Eagles don't.

Croatia’s second goal came from a penalty in the 71st minute when Mandzukić was fouled. Modrić made no mistake from the spot -- just like both the French and Australians today -- and did so with his typical class.

Dude sent the 'keeper to the wrong side, and Croatian supporters celebrated.

Croatia's thus atop Group D: