World Cup 2018: 6 Breakout stars of the group stage

#4 Ante Rebic (Croatia)

Ante Rebic came into this tournament as one of the least recognized stars of an experienced Croatian side that are now surely capable of challenging for the title. With all eyes on the likes of Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic, Rebic has a slightly easier task with the attention on the more established players. He has taken this opportunity with both hands and was impressive in the opener against Nigeria.

Rebic is a direct player and dribbled past his opponents on numerous occasions in the game against Nigeria and in the first half against Argentina, but the end product seemed to be missing. But he continued to work hard, put in the effort and finally got his reward, in lucky fashion.

A dreadful clearance from Argentinian goalkeeper Willy Caballero provided him a fantastic chance and the 24-year-old latched onto it with an acrobatic effort to put the Croatians in front. It was his first goal for Croatia in five years, but it hardly seemed like it. The Argentines crumbled from there and Rebic had a major role to play in that.

He was given a rest in the third game with the Croatians already through to the Round of 16, and the winger will come into the knockout stages with his batteries recharged. With Croatia emerging as one of the better sides in the tournament so far, Rebic has a fabulous platform to put his name on the transfer list of a few of the top European clubs.