An action-packed day at the World Cup featured a distinct set of difference-makers and set up a pair of riveting final matchdays in Groups D and E next week.

For years, Croatia's talented national team has been undermined by chaos and complications, both on and off the field. But with the dust settling at home and an empowered manager pulling the right strings, a deep World Cup run may finally be in the cards.

It's becoming evident that the best chance for Lionel Messi and this generation of Argentina players has passed. An uninspired showing vs. Croatia was the result of few ideas, horrible errors and no spirit, and their World Cup could be ending sooner than later.

Spain's firing of manager Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup was a shock to the system, but under Fernando Hierro it has earned four points in two games and implemented the first tactical tweak under its new boss.