3 Things that went right for Croatia against Nigeria

#3 Croatian Defense Steps Up to the Challenge

Lovren's leadership in

defense

was pivotal

Despite Croatia's large share of dominance in their opening game, it was not a comfortable night for the back four as they received quite a challenge from Nigeria and were tested during different stages of the game.

Although many of Nigeria's attacks were getting broken up in the middle of the park, the Croatian defence stepped up when called upon as the backline was in coordination and complemented each other well.

Fullbacks Sime Vrsaljko and Ivan Strinic lacked output and service in the attacking half but they made up for it tracking back with the pair making a combined 11 clearances and many recoveries while the centre back duo of Dejan Lovren and Domagoj Vida also cleared danger out of the box several times.

Vida and Lovren's tackling ability was questionable as they failed to put any neat and successful challenges but were fortunate that none of their challenges were mistimed but when they competed very well in the air and won a total of five aerial duels.

Croatia faced 14 shots from the opposition in the entire game but none of them troubled or caught goalkeeper Danijel Subasic off guard. However, they will face a much bigger and real test against Argentina next game and the defence will have to be ready once again for the challenge that awaits them.

#CRO have won their opening game of a #WorldCup for the first time since 1998.They went on to reach the semi-finals and finish 3rd in that tournament. 👀 pic.twitter.com/J13uwQmF1R

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 16, 2018