10 Underrated FIFA World Cup Moments
4. Croatia Destroy Argentina - 2018
Perennial dark horses at the World Cup, Croatia almost won the competition in Russia 2018. Buoyed by a golden generation featuring Modric, Rakitic, and Mandzukic, they finished runners-up, losing 4-2 to France in the final. In the end, a tiring schedule got the better of them. Three consecutive rounds of extra-time left them unable to compete with the energy of their French counterparts. It's a shame as Croatia were brilliant when at their best.
The early statement performance of their World Cup came in the group stage when they battered Argentina 3-0. A comfortable victory over Nigeria laid the groundwork for a first-place finish. Argentina had only managed to draw against Iceland. Failing to make proper use of Lionel Messi, they were once again less than the sum of their parts. Pitted against a functional top-class team like Croatia, Argentina were picked apart and humiliated.
Ante Rebic got the rout off with a punishing volley after a fluffed pass by Willy Caballero. It is as confident a finish as any World Cup contender could hope for. Watch the match highlights in the video below.