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#2 Modric and Rakitic Control proceedings
The midfield pair of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic is one of the strongest partnership in the World Cup. Both the players complemented each other brilliantly and played a crucial role in their side getting the win in their opening match.
Modric and Rakitic displayed authority and discipline in midfield on both the attacking and defensive aspect. Firstly, they made it hard for Nigeria to penetrate through midfield itself when they were in possession and brought an end to many potential attacking build ups for the Super Eagles.
Similarly, the duo was a treat to watch going forward with their crisp and precise passing as they initiated many of the attacks. However, the front four did not comply well to the service they received as they missed multiple opportunities and allowed Nigeria to stay in the game until the 70th minute before Modric scored to seal the win for Croatia.
Both Modric and Rakitic finished with a pass completion rate of 86% each whereas Rakitic finished the game with three clearances and eight long balls respectively while Modric made an interception and won two aerial duels on the defensive end.
