Croatia moved best of World Cup Group D as a Luka Modric punishment and an Oghenekaro Etebo claim goal sufficient to see off a shockingly dreary Nigeria side in Kaliningrad.
An inauspicious first half observed the halt broken in blessed form when Mario Mandzukic's header appeared to head well wide, just for a diversion off Etebo's calf to redirect it past defenceless Nigeria goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.
That guaranteed Croatia took a 1-0 lead into half-time in spite of neglecting to have a shot on target, and they multiplied their leverage from the punishment spot with 20 minutes remaining.
Brazilian arbitrator, Sandro Meira Ricci had little faltered in indicating the spot with William Troost-Ekong blameworthy of abusing Mandzukic to the ground at a Croatia corner and Modric – who managed play amidst the recreation centre all through – ventured up to stroke it into the base left corner.
It was Croatia's first shot on target and they oversaw just a single other before the last shriek.
Occupation well improved the situation of Croatia and without an excessive amount of exertion. Croatia controlled the amusement, were scarcely tested and left away with three fundamental focuses. Nigeria is in a bad position in this gathering
