The world bows down to Luka Modric FIFA World Cup 2018 Croatian midfielder starred in victory over Argentina

Argentina could barely contain Luka Modric on Thursday evening, he put in the sort of performance that forces the world to bow down to Real Madrid's midfielder.

It wouldn't be unfair to suggest the Croatian could be a candidate for the Ballon d'Or, even if his statistics aren't as impressive as those of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Croatia should have achieved more at Euro 2016 and with the clock ticking on a talented, but ageing, squad, the nation's hopes are on Modric to keep playing in such a manner.

At 33 years old, the 2022 World Cup will unlikely see the former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker take part at 37, this is likely to be his last chance to achieve success on the international stage.

Nigeria faced a player at the peak of his powers in the first group match and it came as little surprise when he was awarded the Man of the Match award.

His pass success rating against Jorge Sampaoli's Albiceleste was a staggering 83%, he marked the flawless performance with a sensational strike for distance which curled into the bottom corner of the net.

Ivan Rakitic has ably supported him in the middle of midfield, and there is an argument to be made that Zlatko Dalic has the best midfield pairing at the tournament.

Croatia have already qualified for the round of 16, and provided nothing unusual happens in their final match against Iceland, they will top the group.

Such an outcome will see them take on the runners-up in the group containing France, Denmark, Australia and Peru.

Peru have been eliminated, but it's unlikely any of the other three sides will want to face Modric in this kind of form