WorldStage Newsonline– Nigeria’s first 2018 World Cup match in Russia on Saturday ended with 2-0 defeat by Croatia, no thanks to an own goal by Oghenekaro Etebo in the first half.
It was in the 32nd minute when Croatia’s Luka Modric corner kick was deflected toward the back post, and Mandzukic met it with a diving header and the ball was deflected off Etebo into the back of the net.
Also in the 71st minute, Croatia made it 2-0 through a penalty by Luka Modric
The penalty was called by Brazilian referee Sandro Ricci on a Croatian corner kick when Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong wrapped his arms around Mario Mandzukic, and practically tackled him to the ground.
With the relatively painless victory, Croatia goes to the top of Group D. Argentina and Iceland drew 1-1 earlier in the day.
