The Nizhny Novgorod Stadium is the venue hosting the 2018 World Cup Group D match between Argentina and Croatia at 21:00 local time on Thursday 21st June.
Argentina need to perform much better than they did against Iceland otherwise they run the risk of being eliminated at the Group Stage for the first time since 2002. The South Americans failed to create enough clear cut chances in their opening game as they struggled to break down a stoic Iceland defence.
Croatia got off to a flying start and can edge closer to the knockout stages with a draw against Argentina. Croatia’s Luka Modric is the key man in this game and everything positive will pass through the Real Madrid star.
Croatian forward Ante Rebic said to the FIFA website that “Messi is 50 percent of Argentina’s squad. If we block him well, I think we have a good chance.” It was a tactic that worked for Iceland, will it work for Croatia?
Argentina vs Croatia Key Bites
Argentina managed an incredible 27 shots at the Iceland goal during the sides’ 1-1 draw on Matchday 1 of Group D but only seven of those hit their intended target, a percentage that simply has to improve against Croatia who are less likely to give away as many shooting opportunities.
That figure of 27 shots flatters Argentina somewhat as many of those were from distance because Argentina failed to create many clear cut chances. Eleven of those shots came from the boot of Lionel Messi, including a penalty kick miss, but even Messi could not find his scoring boots.
Sergio Aguero’s goal was a thing of beauty and Argentina’s only bright spot in front of goal. The Manchester City striker often looks jaded at major tournaments and we do not see the best of him. Aguero looks fresh for this World Cup and will be a key figure.
Worrying for Argentina is the fact they could only hold onto their lead for four minutes. Much has been said about Argentina’s soft belly and it was exposed against Iceland. Against a more attacking team, Argentina could have lost this match.
The Croatia versus Nigeria game will not go down in the history books as one of the best matches in World Cup history, but it could be vitally important to Croatia who are on the brink of reaching the Round of 16.
Luka Modric lit up an otherwise dull affair, creating the opening goal when his corner was bundled into Oghenekaro Etebo’s own goal and he then tucked away a 71st minute penalty to make sure all three points were heading to the Croatians.
Modric has become unpopular in his homeland thanks to a saga that has seen him charged with perjury but the Croatian fans will start to love the midfielder again if he can pull the strings and guide Croatia to a draw or better against their much-fancied opponents.
Croatia will likely be happy with a draw as it would all but secure their path to the knockout stages; they’d only need a draw against Iceland to progress. Argentina need a win because they face a Nigeria side that came from 2-0 down to win 4-2 in their final game of the group.
The draw comes in at +235 and that looks decent value, although the Draw No Bet market on Argentina’s side at -225 is another market you should consider. If you want to bet on an actual score, 1-1 is the favorite at Bovada at +550, with an Argentina 1-0 win priced at +600 and a 0-0 draw coming in at +700.
Category : Betting Picks
Tag : FIFA World Cup , Soccer
More articles...
NFL Draft 2024 Prop Bets: Dallas Turner to be first drafted defensive player
Carolina Hurricanes favorites to win NHL Stanley Cup 2024
Boston Celtics favorites to win NBA Championships 2024
Best UFC 300 Bets: Alex Pereira vs Jamahal Hill Picks
Grand National 2024: Corach Rambler and Mahler Mission lead deep field
