Croatia sealed their place in the last 16 in the 2018 FIFA World Cup as they defeated Argentina 3-0 in Group D match in Nizhny Novgorod on late Thursday.

Croats broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when Argentina goalkeeper Wilfredo Caballero failed to clear the ball away and Ante Rebic took advantage of Caballero's mistake.

In 80th minute, Croatia made the score 2-0. Real Madrid veteran Luka Modric scored from outside the penalty box. Caballero was unable to parry it.

Six minutes later, Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic's freekick hit the post. In the first minute of the injury time Rakitic made it 3-0 on a counter attack.

Argentina didn't expect this loss against Croatia however Argentinian star Lionel Messi and his teammates couldn't avoid it.

Separately, Turkish club Besiktas' Croatian defender Domagoj Vida played against Argentina for 90 minutes.

Leading Group D with six points, Croatia qualified for the next round of the tournament.

However, Argentina risked their chance to be in the next phase as South American heavyweights are on third position with one point.

The other match of this group will be played between Nigeria and Iceland on Friday.

The match in Volgograd will kick off at 1500GMT.