Argentina were supposed to have no problem topping Group D. The Argentines were the favorite to win this group coming into the World Cup, but they were underwhelming in their draw with Iceland. With a couple of breaks, Iceland could have won the game and put Argentina in a real tough position.
They are still favored to get out of the group, but that would change with a loss to Croatia. Croatia is currently sitting atop Group D and a win would guarantee them a spot in the knockout round. They would love to pick up the victory, but a draw would likely suit them just fine too.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 21, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Argentina +100
Croatia +312
Draw +236
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Last Match
Croatia looked very good in their 2-0 win over Nigeria in the opener. Although they managed fewer shots than their opponents, they had better chances and made the most of them. They threatened Nigeria’s goal throughout the first 70 minutes, and they were rewarded with two goals off of set pieces. Some may say they were lucky to get the first goal, as it bounced off of a Nigeria defender, but they just missed a number of others and that somewhat evened out.
Argentina were incredibly frustrated after their match against Iceland. The Argentines had controlled the match, holding the ball 78 percent of the time and firing 27 shots in the game. Yet they were unable to manage anything more than a draw. Lionel Messi received a lot of the blame afterwards for his penalty miss, but he was great in other areas and just missed on a couple goals. Argentina will be looking to convert those chances this time around.
Player to Watch
It has to be Messi. Messi is the best player in the world, but he has been heavily criticized for his play on Argentina. He has always been the bridesmaid, but never the bride for his country. Messi led Argentina to runner-up finishes at the 2014 World Cup, the 2015 Copa America, and the 2016 Copa America Centenario. However, his failure to win one of those, along with his penalty miss in the Centenario, has led some to claim that he chokes in big moments.
Of course, that assertion is ridiculous. He has just been a bit unlucky, while he has continued to play at a high level. Messi was constantly threatening Iceland’s goal, and he would have ended with a brace if he struck the ball just a touch differently a couple times. It’s only a matter of time before those start going in.
Matchup to Watch
Argentina’s back line is going to have a tougher time in this one than they did against Iceland. Croatia have a lot of talent in the midfield, and they are going to look to press and counter more than Iceland did against Argentina.
Luka Modric will be the point man for the attack, while Ivan Rakitic will threaten with his speed. Mario Mandzukic is a solid forward, and he proved that he still has something left in the tank in the opener. They will be able to pick up a goal against a back line and a goalkeeper that looked very shaky.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Croatia are pretty solid in defense, but Argentina is going to prove a point in this match. Messi is going to respond in a big way with teammates like Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria doing their part.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Argentina 3, Croatia 1
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