World Cup 2018: 3 reasons why Croatia won 2-1 against Iceland

Wednesday night's Group D clash at the Rostov Stadium saw Croatia secure a 2-1 win against Iceland which helped them qualify for the next round as table toppers.

Croatia made nine changes from the squad that beat Argentina, with Modric and Perisic being the ones retained.

The first half was mostly dull as Croatia enjoyed most of the ball but lacked the spark in the final third to cause the Icelandic defence any major problems as such. Iceland defended deep for the initial minutes of the first half as Croatia's midfield duo of Luka Modric and Milan Badelj controlled proceedings.

Iceland's best chances came towards the end of the first which fell to Alfred Finnbogasson and Aron Gunnarsson, the latter forcing an excellent save from Lovre Kalinic.

Finally, the deadlock was broken by Croatia in the 53rd minute when Milan Badelj slotted past a helpless Halldorsson in goal.

The goal resulted in Iceland attack with more intent and finally got their equaliser in the 76th minute when Gylfi Sigurdsson scored from the spot after Lovren was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.

The dying embers of the game saw Croatia seal top spot with a goal from Ivan Perisic.

In this article, we look at the three reasons why Croatia secured their victory over Iceland.

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#1 Croatia bossed the midfield thereby preventing Iceland from having a say in the game

Luka Modric played a vital role in helping Croatia win the midfield battle.

Croatia started the game with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Milan Badelj partner Luka Modric in midfield. During the game, Croatia converted into a three-man midfield with Mateo Kovacic falling deep and acting as the perfect link between attack and defence.

The Blazers enjoyed most of the possession, preventing the likes of Aron Gunnarsson, Emil Hallfredsson and Sigurdsson from assisting the forwards. Badelj had an excellent outing with a pass success rate of 89%, winning seven out of nine duels, scoring a goal and setting up another to help his side secure three points.

Another superb display from Modric saw him make three key passes and boast a pass success rate of an outstanding 92%.

The midfielder who plies his trade with Real Madrid regained possession on a number of occasions to maintain the game's flow.

Modric, along with Kovacic, displayed their flair which denied Iceland to exert any sort of control on the game, eventually depriving Iceland's forwards of any service from midfield.

Although Croatia failed to create any clear-cut chances in the first half, they kept winning possession back, hence not allowing Iceland to have significant time on the ball.

#2 A solid defensive display helps Croatia maintain their perfect record

Corluka was solid in

defence

Croatia fielded a different defense altogether with Jedvaj, Corluka, Caleta-Car and Pivaric replace the quartet of Vrsjalko, Lovren, Vida and Strinic. Lovre Kalinic got his first start in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, replacing Danijel Subasic.

In spite of these changes, the defenders made it hard for the likes of Finnbogasson, Bjarnasson and Gudmundsson from causing damage.

Corluka complemented Caleta-Car well and the duo made a number of interceptions, tackles and remained composed which led to the Icelandic forwards having a quiet game.

The two fullbacks, Pivaric and Jedvaj, had a solid outing with both of them linking up well with the wingers.

Jedvaj made a number of crunching tackles and displayed some excellent positioning thereby preventing the left-hand side of Iceland's attack from causing any potential harm.

Pivaric's hard work was rewarded as the left back teed up Badelj for the opening goal of the game.

Kalinic had a relatively quiet game but made a string of fine saves when called upon.

#3 Game plan executed to perfection

Each individual stuck to their task, which led Croatia to secure the victory.

Zlatko Dalic has been appreciated for his meticulous planning of games and today was another proof of how this Croatian side has progressed under him. Each player had a task which was executed really well.

Croatia controlled the game in brilliant fashion as they had most of the ball throughout the game and deprived Iceland of scoring through open play.

The midfield pressed high up the pitch and won back possession on numerous occasions which helped Croatia maintain their flow in the game. The Croats used their experience to great effect and went through the gears as the situation demanded.

The defence executed their task to great effect and reacted well whenever there was a threat from the opponents.

The back four of Jedvaj, Corluka, Caleta-Car and Pivaric executed the basics properly which prevented Iceland from scoring more goals. Barring a blip from Lovren, the defence fared well.

Overall Croatia was resolute in defence, controlled proceedings in midfield and clinical up top which helped them secure their third win of the tournament.

The Blazers head into their round-of-16 clash against Denmark in high spirits and are tipped to go far in this tournament with more professional performances like this.

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