After making history at the 2016 European Championships, Iceland are looking to do it again in their first trip to the World Cup. The small island nation has proven to be just as pesky now as they were back then, and they are in a decent position to make the knockout round. Their opponent on Tuesday, Croatia, has already locked up a spot in the Round of 16 and Iceland would love to join them. However, they may need a little help.
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 Rostov Arena in Rostov-on-Don at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 26, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Croatia -121
Iceland +379
Draw +255
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Recent Form
As of this post, Iceland has not yet faced Nigeria in their second World Cup match. A win over the Super Eagles in that one would put Iceland in a commanding position. They would have four points and only need a result against Croatia in order to advance. However, a draw or loss to Nigeria would change their options for this match.
It was no small feat for Iceland to pull a draw out of their match against Argentina. Iceland parked the bus in front of their net and hoped for the best. They allowed 27 shots and held the ball for just 22 percent of the match, but they didn’t break and did not give Lionel Messi and the rest of the attack room to operate. That helped Iceland get a 1-1 tie.
Croatia is on to the knockout round after two very strong performances against the other two teams in Group D. In their first match, they were able to control the action and secured a 2-0 win against Nigeria. It could have been a lot uglier too, but Croatia’s strikers let some chances go wanting.
Their play against Argentina is the performance everyone is talking about though. Croatia was sublime throughout that match, not allowing Messi to get the ball on the attack and constantly creating pressure in the midfield. Eventually Argentina cracked and the result was a 3-0 win that sent shockwaves through the soccer world.
Matchup to Watch
These two teams rely heavily on their midfielders, but in different ways.
For Croatia, Luka Modric is the primary playmaker and distributor. Modric has been the team’s captain for some time now, and he is the heart and soul of the team in many ways. He has been sensational in the first two matches, tallying a goal in each and creating numerous chances for his forwards and colleagues in the midfield.
If Iceland is going to score, it will likely be through some Gylfi Sigurdsson magic. Sigurdsson was the team’s breakout star at the Euros two years ago, and he has made a name for himself in the Premier League since that point. He is a traditional No. 9, but he doesn’t always act the role with the national side.
Player to Watch
Ivan Rakitic is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. He is tenacious in defense and great at winning possession, and that was a big help against Argentina. Rakitic isn’t afraid to get physical either. He will put his body on the line to bump and jostle attackers out of their rhythm, and that can lead to frustration. His play was part of the reason why Argentina were so frustrated in their loss.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The draw feels like the right play here. The usual caveats apply, and you must be aware of qualification scenarios after Friday’s match, but these sides might both just prefer a draw in their meeting. At this price, I’m down to roll the dice a bit.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Croatia 1, Iceland 1
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