JOIN USCoach 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.
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."
The Group D defeat means Argentina have just one point from two games and will certainly have to beat Nigeria in their final outing to have any chance of avoiding elimination. But for Argentina -- and Messi -- the recriminations over such a poor performance began within seconds of the final whistle.
"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 (goalkeeper) Caballero."
He added that his under-pressure team, knowing they needed a positive result from the game, crumbled after conceding the first goal.
"After they scored we were emotionally broken and we didn't have any footballing arguments to change the course of events."
He said his team did not "gel" and plans to feed Messi with more of the ball failed.
Asked why he made three changes to his team and played a 3-4-3 system, Sampaoli said he thought this was the best way to put pressure on Croatia. But admitted he had got it wrong.
The South Americans were curiously lifeless and uninspired throughout, capped by an anonymous display by Messi.
He remained a peripheral and largely ponderous figure, briefly flashing to life and the 30-year-old's dream of winning the World Cup now look remote.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic admitted he was surprised to be through after just two games but warned Croatian fans not to get carried away, despite arguably the performance of the tournament.
"We have to make sure we do not go over the top. We have to be calm and humble, all of us."
But in another piece of bad news for Argentina he said he would definitely rest players in the last game against Iceland, which the South Americans will likely need Croatia to win.
Man-of-the match Luka Modric said teamwork was the key to the impressive victory.
"Our team effort throughout (was the key) and particularly in the second half when we had more possession. In the first half when Argentina had the ball we cut off Messi and stopped him getting the ball."