Croatia claimed pole position in Group D with a comfortable 2-0 victory against Nigeria. An own goal from Oghenekaro Etebo and a Luka Modric penalty took the Croatians at the top.

Nigeria’s previous goal conceded at the World Cup in 2014 was also an own goal.

Midfielder Etebo turned a Modric corner into his own net after Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic both flicked the delivery on. When William needlessly dragged Mandzukic down in the box, Modric converted the 71st-minute penalty to give his side a winning start.

Croatia had the better of a close contest light on chances in Kaliningrad. With Mandzukic’s aerial power causing plenty of problems for Nigeria. Gernot Rohr’s men were unable to create a clear opportunity of their own.

After a cagey opening, Perisic fired Croatia’s first shot in the 13th minute. Mandzukic’s strength created the opportunity to shoot but it was wide.

Alex Iwobi was proving a lively presence in attack for Nigeria but it wasn’t enough to find the net. Rebic should have doubled Croatia’s lead. He fired over from Perisic’s perfect left-wing centre. On the other hand, Ighalo’s tame header recorded the match’s first shot on target in the 59th minute.

Nigeria’s lack of quality in the final third was evident. After Ekong was penalised for holding Mandzukic in the penalty area, Modric sent Uzoho the wrong way from 12 yards for his first World Cup goal.

A fightback from the Super Eagles never looked likely. Danijel Subasic given a comfortable outing in the Croatia goal with Kelechi Iheanacho and Etebo missing chances to register.

That was the definition of a routine win for Croatia. Straightforward stuff but Nigeria were desperately mediocre, food for thought for Gernot Rohr.