World Cup 2018: Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic reveals his specific tactics to stop Lionel Messi

Head coach devised three solutions to combat Argentina’s reliance on Lionel Messi

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic has revealed how he stopped Lionel Messi as his side pushed Argentina to the brink of a World Cup defeat in Nizhny Novgorod.

A dreadful error from Willy Caballero gifted Ante Rebic the game-breaking goal before star midfield duo Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic added one apiece to kill off Jorge Sampaoli’s side.

But most crucial to the result was the Croatians subduing Messi, who didn’t complete a single pass or cross into the penalty area, who had just one shot (blocked) and who competed fewer passes than two players substituted around the hour mark.

“We had three solutions for that position,” Dalic said in his post-match press conference.

“After Nigeria, we had someone in front of Modric and Rakitic, this time we had a screen behind them,” he added.

“I chose Brozovic because he is the quickest option and has played that position for Inter. He’s very calm and he had to double up on Messi. He was excellent with Strinic.

“Later, he went further forward and Luka dropped back. It’s essential for them to switch positions.”

The combination of Ivan Strinic and Marcelo Brozovic executing ‘bracket coverage’ on Messi kept the multiple Ballon d’Or winner quiet and put Argentina on the brink, hoping for a miracle in their final game.

And Dalic made things worse for Argentina by confirming he will rest players against Iceland after his side sealed qualification.