Three out of three: Croatia to face Denmark in Round of 16

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

In the third, final 2018 FIFA World Cup Group D match, Croatia defeated Iceland 2:1, securing the top spot and booking a Round of 16 date with Denmark.

However, it was Iceland who came close to taking the lead in the closing minutes of the first half. Magnusson, Sigurdsson, Bjarnasson, Finnbogason, and Gunnarsson all threatened Croatia defence, but the lack of finishing touch - combined with Croatia's defensive effort and quality performance of goalie L. Kalinić - it was still goalless at the break.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

It was Badelj who took control of things when the play resumed. On 51 minutes, his great shot landed on the crossbar, and only two minutes later he capitalized on the Pivarić's move on the left side of the box.

Still, Iceland kept pushing forward. Ingason responded with a crossbar hit of his own, with the equalizer coming on 76 minutes. Lovren's handball gave Iceland a chance from the penalty spot, and G. Sigurdsson did not make a mistake.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

In the exciting finale, Perišić and Rakitić nearly found the net from their free-kick efforts, and it was finally Perišić who scored the winning goal. Man of the match, Badelj, took possession and passed the ball to Perišić, who hit it with force for more Croatian celebrations.

Croatia will seek quarterfinals berth on 1 July in Nizhny Novgorod. The match against Denmark starts at 20:00 CET.

SP 2018., Group D:
1. Croatia 9
2. Argentina 4
3. Nigeria 3
4. Iceland 1

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

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