Mario Mandzukic was decisive as Croatia beat Nigeria 2-0, forcing an own goal and earning a penalty converted by Luka Modric.
There were three Serie A players in the Croatian starting XI, including Mandzukic in his more traditional centre-forward role, one he rarely takes at Juventus.
Inter winger Ivan Perisic fired just off target, as did Andrej Kramaric, but the Croatian opener was rather scrappy. A corner was flicked on by Kramaric, Mandzukic’s diving header then ricocheted in off the shin of Oghenekaro Etebo.
Mario Mandzukic was decisive as Croatia beat Nigeria 2-0, forcing an own goal and earning a penalty converted by Luka Modric.
There were three Serie A players in the Croatian starting XI, including Mandzukic in his more traditional centre-forward role, one he rarely takes at Juventus.
Inter winger Ivan Perisic fired just off target, as did Andrej Kramaric, but the Croatian opener was rather scrappy. A corner was flicked on by Kramaric, Mandzukic’s diving header then ricocheted in off the shin of Oghenekaro Etebo.
Another Kramaric header landed on the roof of the net, but Mandzukic earned a penalty when brought down in no uncertain terms by William Ekong’s arm around his neck. Luka Modric converted the spot-kick.
There was time for more Serie A figures, including Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, Juve winger Marko Pjaca and even Crotone’s Nigerian striker Simy.
Croatia 2-0 Nigeria
Etebo og 32 (C), Modric pen 71 (C)
Croatia: Subasic; Vrsaljko, Vida, Lovren, Strinic; Rakitic, Modric; Rebic (Kovacic 78), Kramaric (Brozovic 60), Perisic; Mandzukic (Pjaca 85)
Nigeria: Uzoho; Shehu, Balogun, Ekong, Idowu; Ndidi, Etebo; Moses, Mikel (Simy 88), Iwobi (Musa 61); Ighalo (Iheanacho 72)
Ref: Ricci (BRA)