Iceland v Croatia - Iceland out after defeat by group winners Croatia - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia - Match 40

Iceland failed in their attempt to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time as Croatia secured a late win to top Group D on maximum points.

The Nordic nation knew they had to win to stand any chance of reaching the last 16, and their colourful support looked dejected as their side missed key chances late in the first half.

Alfred Finnbogason and Birkir Bjarnason both went close before the interval in Rostov-on-Don but Milan Badelj stylishly slammed home for Croatia after the break.

That forced Iceland to chase the game and, after Sverrir Ingason hit the bar, Gylfi Sigurdsson converted a penalty to level following Dejan Lovren's handball.

In the dying minutes, with Argentina leading Nigeria 2-1, Iceland knew a win would see them jump ahead of the South American side in second place.

But their attacks became less frequent as Croatia took more control and Ivan Perisic - one of only two players to retain his place from the win over Argentina - fired home in injury time.

His side now face Denmark in the last 16 on Sunday, a day after Argentina play France.

With a population of about 300,000, Iceland's achievement in becoming the smallest nation to reach the World Cup means their fans will travel home with a sense of pride, albeit tinged with disappointment.

They arrived in southern Russia knowing even a win may not be enough had Nigeria beaten Argentina, but the manner in which they missed chances at key moments - against a side that made nine changes - will perhaps feel like an opportunity wasted.

Heimir Hallgrimsson's side were the lowest scorers of the European sides who qualified automatically for the tournament, and a lack of end product undoubtedly proved key in their exit.

They had grown into the opening 45 minutes as a Croatia side showing little intent ended the period on the back foot despite having 65% possession.

Finnbogason side-footed into the side-netting from 18 yards, Bjarnason could only drive against the legs of keeper Lovre Kalinic and Aron Gunnarsson was denied by a one-handed save on the stroke of half-time.

SOURCE:

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44439256