Group D Review:

Group D:

Final Table:
Croatia 9 pts
Argentina 4 pts
Nigeria 3 pts
Iceland 1 pt

Matchday 3 results: Argentina 2-1 Nigeria, Croatia 2-1 Iceland

In an emotional matchday three Argentina grabbed a late victory to guarantee progression while Croatia finished perfect in group d. 

Biggest Surprise: Croatia

Croatia were undoubtedly the most pleasant surprise of this group. They were able to finish the group with a perfect 3-0 record with convincing victories in every match. Every part of their team was dominant. Their defense with center back pairing Dejan Lovren and Domagoj Vida was absolutely impenetrable. Their star-studded midfield did their thing and even more with fantastic performances from Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic. As well their attack was feisty as always with Rebic putting in outstanding performances throughout the group. Honestly, most people were expecting this team to come in and battle for second, but they did far more than that and dominated the group and took first place.

Biggest Disappointment: Argentina's woes

The biggest disappointment was Argentina's woes. Even though they ended up getting through no one can say they played anywhere close to their potential. Against Iceland and Croatia, they were absolutely terrible. They lacked any creativity and relied on Messi to do everything and even that magician cant exactly do that. Fortunately, the little genius stepped up in their last match and got them through, but they are fortunate and will need to improve against France.

Best Player: Luka Modric

There were two Croatian midfielders that could have gotten the best player of this group, but you have to go with their talisman and captain Luka Modric. Modric was stellar throughout the first two matches of the group. Against Nigeria, he controlled the game brilliantly and added a pen late on to seal the victory. But against the Argentines, he put in a performance that may have solidified himself as the best midfielder in the world. He was absolutely immense and scored a peach of a goal to make it 2-0 and send Croatia into the knockouts while smashing Argentina off the park.

Best Match: Argentina vs. Nigeria 2-1

The best match has to be Argentina and Nigeria. I don't any match thus far has had this much pressure and passion as this one. It started off with Messi scoring an emotional goal which seemed to take the weight of a whole country off his shoulders. Then in the second half against the run of play, the Nigerians win a pen and convert which would've sent them through. But Marcos Rojo had enough and put in a stellar volley off his weak foot to win it for Argentina in the 86' minute. It sent the Argentine players and fans into mayhem and was definitely the moment of the tournament so far.

Best Goal: Messi 1-0 vs. Nigeria

Though Luka Modric might have something to say about this selection Messi's goal vs. Nigeria is definitely the goal of group d. The perfect ball that was floated in by Banega started the play. Then the magesterial Messi brought it down with absolute grace onto his weak foot. Then struck it across his body caressing the ball into the side of the net. The goal seemed to relieve him of all the stress and pressure he was under and gave us our old Messi back and not the imposter we saw in the first two group stage matches.