Argentina coach asks for 'forgiveness' as World Cup hopes fade

Jorge Sampaoli begged for forgiveness from Argentina's fans after a 3-0 drubbing by Croatia left Lionel Messi's World Cup dreams hanging by a thread.

Second-half goals from Ante Rebic -- the first from a horrendous error by Argentina goalkeeper Willy Caballero -- Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic sealed a deserved victory for the European side and ensured their passage into the last 16.

A contrite Sampaoli said the rout was his fault entirely and apologised to supporters left in tears in the Nizhny Novgorod stadium on the banks of the River Volga.

"First and foremost, I would beg for their forgiveness, especially those who came great distances to see Argentina," said the softly spoken Sampaoli.

"I am responsible for this result but I was as dreamy-eyed as the fans."
"I had to devise a plan for this match," said Sampaoli. "If I had set things up differently, things might have turned out much better. I don't think it's realistic to put the burden on Caballero."
- 'Emotionally broken' -
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"After they scored we were emotionally broken and we didn't have any footballing arguments to change the course of events."
"We have to make sure we do not go over the top. We have to be calm and humble, all of us."