When Argentina took a 2-1 lead in the other game, Iceland suddenly had an opportunity to steal a qualifying spot, if it could score. But Croatia, now with Modric on the pitch as a substitute, effectively killed off the game, then added the winning goal in injury time through Ivan Perisic.
Croatia completed a perfect three-for-three first round and eliminated Iceland from the World Cup with a 2-1 victory in Rostov on Tuesday. They had already clinched advancement but nailed down a victory in the group and a date with Denmark on Sunday in the round of 16.
Croatia rolled out a lineup without many of its stars, including Luka Modric, but scored first in the 53rd minute when Milan Badelj pounced on a loose ball in the box and punched it home.
Iceland got some hope 20 minutes later, winning a penalty that was converted by Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Iceland leaves the World Cup with just 1 point but can take some consolation in being the first team to score on Croatia.
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