Modric showed Messi how to take a penalty

Nigeria had gone 1-0 down in the first half due to some poor fortune, but for the second goal, they only had themselves to blame. 

Just as was the case with the first goal, the danger came from a corner. As the delivery came in, William Troost-Ekong was all over Mario Mandzukic. 

The centre-back grasped his arms around the Croatian forward, preventing him from leaping to meet the ball, and the referee spotted the blatant foul, pointing to the spot and showing Ekong a yellow card for the offense.

Captain Luka Modric stepped up to take the penalty, banking on his experience in high-pressure situations. The Real Madrid midfielder showed composure, unlike a certain Argentinian earlier in the day, and slotted it into the bottom left corner with power, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

 

June 16, 2018