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FIFA World Cup 2018: Ivan Perisic scores winner to end Iceland's World Cup dream

FIFA World Cup 2018: Ivan Perisic scores winner to end Iceland's World Cup dream

Croatia vs Iceland

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Iceland's first World Cup adventure came to a valiant end as they were beaten 2-1 by Croatia at Rostov Arena.

Iceland's first World Cup adventure came to a valiant end on Tuesday as they were beaten 2-1 by Group D winners Croatia due to a late strike from Ivan Perisic, with Argentina qualifying as runners-up instead.

Iceland missed a flurry of early chances but went behind in the second half to a lethal strike from Croatia midfielder Milan Badelj, although Gylfi Sigurdsson levelled from the penalty spot in the 76th minute to set up an enthralling finish.

Argentina's 2-1 win over Nigeria meant Iceland would have qualified with a victory but instead, their hearts sank when Perisic smashed into the far corner in the 90th minute.

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Croatia will meet Denmark in the last 16 while Argentina play France. Iceland, the smallest ever nation to compete at a World Cup, are heading home with one point from their tournament debut but will still leave Russia with their heads held high.