Half-time report: Near miss keeps deadlock intact

Argentina's Enzo Perez missed a sitter in the 30th minute against Croatia as the score remained 0-0 in Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.

An intense first half between Argentina and Croatia kept the score goalless in Novgorod Arena.

The first half of the Group C match between Argentina and Croatia ended goalless in Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. In a must-win match for Argentina, Croatia started the proceedings brightly with Ivan Perisic registering a shot on goal in the 4th minute. Dejan Lovren blocked a Maximiliano Meza effort from outside the box as Argentina looked more dangerous going forward. In the 21st minute Marcos Acuna whipped in a dangerous shot from the left flank which grazed the crossbar. Enzo Perez missed a sitter on the half hour mark as he dragged a shot wide with an open net staring at him, after Meza tricked Subasic to come clear off his line. Croatia was not far behind in terms of creating chances as Mario Mandzukic's 33rd minute header narrowly missed the far post following a brilliant cross from Vrsaljko. As the clocked ticked towards the end, Rebic skied the shot over the bar after being put through by Luka Modric.