Argentina suffers humiliating World Cup loss against Croatia

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli said his tactics are to blame for Lionel Messi’s poor form at the 2018 World Cup.

Many have suggested Messi needs to guide his country to World Cup glory in order to be held in the same esteem as Argentina icon Diego Maradona.

Croatia, who lead Group D after beating Nigeria in their opening game, looked increasingly composed but also faltered in front of goal, including a mis-directed header by Mario Mandzukic on the half-hour.

Argentina drew with Iceland in their first match and are now in danger of failing to make it out of the group stage.

“Every Argentinian is free to have the opinion they want”.

Caballero mangled a clearance and kicked the ball toward Croatia defender Ante Rebic, who one-timed it into the net in the 53rd minute.

Higuain missed sitters in the 2014 World Cup final and a year later in the Copa America final against Chile.

Argentina talisman Messi has generally been saluted for being a step or two ahead of Portugal superstar Ronaldo, but Keane has an alternative view as he talked up the qualities of his former Manchester United team-mate. Messi’s hat-trick in the final qualification match against Ecuador ensured his team reached Russian Federation, and his seven goals made him the team’s top scorer by a distance – no other Argentina player managed more than two goals in the campaign.

Fans display a banner of Argentina legend Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi before the match. Every next game is going to be more hard, but our main objective has been reached. “I am extremely hurt by this defeat, but I probably didn’t understand the match the way I should have”.

It’s been a tournament of upsets through the first week at the FIFA World Cup.

Next up: Denmark will play France, and Peru will face Australia at 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday.

“After two games we should have four points”, said Australia coach Bert van Marwijk. An even rougher one would be if Iceland wins, which would throw out the above scenario and trigger the last case scenario for Messi’s squad.

Away from the football, Burger King has apologised for an online ad offering burgers to Russian women who get impregnated by football players during the World Cup.