Croatia booked their spot in the World Cup knockout stages and all-but ended Argentina’s hopes after sealing a 2-0 Group D victory on Thursday night.

Ante Rebic scored a sumptuous second-half volley, capitlizing on Willy Caballero’s horrendous mis-kick.

Skipper Luka Modric then struck a 25-yard piledriver into the back of the net after 80 minutes before Ivan Rakitic wrapped-up a famous triumph by almost walking the ball in.

Lionel Messi struggled to gain a foothold in the match and Argentina now need a miracle with one more match to play against Nigeria.

Here, we rate the performance of Zlatko Dalic’s men.

Croatia 4-2-3-1

Danijel Subasic – 6: Would have expected a busier evening at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium but was rarely tested by limp Argentine attack.

Sime Vrsaljko – 6: Right-back was combative and never short of energy or aggression when launching himself into tackles.

Dejan Lovren – 6: A lapse or two could have cost him dear with Sergio Aguero ready to pounce but Liverpool centre-back grew into towering presence.

Domagoj Vida – 7: The Besiktas star was the leader of the back line and had a heavy influence on proceedings.

Ivan Strinic – 6: Left-back was organised and handled everything that came his way.

Ivan Rakitic – 9: Superb block to deny Messi in 64th minute in Argentine hero’s only goalscoring opportunity. All action display from Blaugrana ace, capped off with a fine goal.

Marcelo Brozovic – 6: Did a lot of unselfish running and often got tight to Messi to shackle their star player.

Ante Rebic – 8: Very fortunate to escape horror first-half challenge on Eduardo Salvio but then popped up with superb winner following horrendous Willy Caballero mistake.

Luka Modric – 9: Scintillating pass to release Rebic at backend of first-half. Croatia captain was coolest head in heated midfield battle and wonder goal was icing on the cake.

Mario Mandzukic – 5: Experienced striker was not at his clinical best and missed free header to open the scoring in the first-half.

Substitutes

Mateo Kovacic – 5: Little to no time to make an impact but would have enjoyed being part of closing stages.

Vedran Corluka – 5: Came on in injury-time.