World Cup 2018 - as it happened: Latest news and updates from Argentina vs Croatia

After Lionel Messi‘s disappointing start to the World Cup, Argentina are facing a difficult challenge against Group C pace-setters Croatia. 

Despite Messi’s penalty being saved by Iceland goalie Hannes Halldórsson, the Argentines are coming in to this game with even more fire than anticipated. 

Jorge Sampaoli’s men must beat Croatia if they want to secure a spot in the knock-out stages. But with Croatia on a high after an easy 2-0 victory over Nigeria, the Argentines must come prepared. 

There is a chance that Croatia could turn out to be the real underdogs of the tournament, but only time will tell. 

Follow all the live action below...

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Live Updates

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2018-06-21T18:57:38.810Z

HALF TIME: Argentina 0 - 0 Croatia

2018-06-21T18:47:45.580Z

45+1  min: CHANCE! Modric puts Rebic in with a brilliant pass but Rebic gets the ball tnagled in his own feet and his shot is well wide

2018-06-21T18:46:08.633Z

45 min: 2 min added time, Argentina kick it long, Messi has been very quiet this half

2018-06-21T18:45:11.693Z

43 min: Free kick for Croatia that gets  hit long and Meza takes out Vrsaljko

2018-06-21T18:42:33.426Z

41 min: Vrsaljko makes a good tackle to stop Aguero getting in behind 

2018-06-21T18:40:18.056Z

38 min: Rebic gets a yellow card for a bad tackle 

2018-06-21T18:39:00.266Z

37 min: Argentina give the ball back to Croatia and punt it to Mandzukic

2018-06-21T18:37:12.813Z

35 min: Rebic tangles with Mercado as both players went in with high boots, the Argentina player is still on the ground and the medics are on the pitch

2018-06-21T18:33:37.750Z

32 min: Vrsaljko gets the ball out on the wing he brings it inside and crosses it to Mandzukic who gets an open header but puts in wide!

2018-06-21T18:32:34.883Z

31 min: Both teams are very cagey in defence they keep holding the ball for too long 

2018-06-21T18:30:21.376Z

29 min: MISS! Croatia are terrible at the back, no-one clears the ball and it rolls to Perez who side foots it past an open goal

2018-06-21T18:27:38.053Z

27 min: Meza puts the corner into the side netting, it's very poor from him

2018-06-21T18:26:57.223Z

25 min: Aguero breaks and goes it alone, he draws the defenders to him and wins a corner with his cross back across goal

2018-06-21T18:25:05.690Z

24 min: Acuna tracks back well, but Croatia still have the ball

2018-06-21T18:24:05.230Z

23 min: They don't make use of it and Argentina have a throw in , the throw comes in but Croatia win in back and attack down the left

2018-06-21T18:22:56.250Z

22 min: Otamendi brings down Mandzukic, and Croatia have a free kick

2018-06-21T18:21:53.720Z

21 min: Acuna whips a cross in from the left for Argentina and it hits the crossbar!

2018-06-21T18:20:45.143Z

19 min: Trouble at the back for Argentina, Caballero and Tagliefico get all tangled up and Mandzukic almost gets the ball

2018-06-21T18:19:01.996Z

17 min: Sloppy from Otamendi, he kicks the ball out of play and Croatia have a throw

 

 

2018-06-21T18:16:33.173Z

15 min: Free kick to Croatia, Perez and Rakitic both slide in for the ball and the ref gives Croatia the decision

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What time is it?

Argentina vs Croatia kicks off at 8pm.

Where can I watch it?

The game will be shown live on BBC One.

Odds

Argentina: EVS

Croatia: 3/1

Draw: 12/5

Prediction

 

Argentina 1 – 2 Croatia. While Argentina are a World Cup favourite, relying on Messi just might not be enough. With Croatia’s gumption and confidence, they have a standing chance to secure their spot. The tournament dark horses might surprise us all.