Football Results

This is certainly one of the most interesting couples in the second round of the group stage of the World Cup in Russia, especially since after the matches of the first round, the team of Croatia is at the top of the table of group C, which has with 2-0 overcome Nigeria, while the favoured Argentinians played only 1-1 against the debutant Iceland. That is why Messi and his teammates are now under great pressure before this duel with the super experienced team of Croatia, which they have so far defeated twice in 1998 at the group stage of World Cup in France and four years ago in a friendly match in London, while on the other hand the Croats were better in a friendly match in Basel in 2006, and they also played a draw in 1994

Argentina

But now this generation of “Gauchos” led by Messi, is faced with an exceptionally big test in this duel with Croatia, especially since they only played 1-1 in the first round against debutant Iceland. However, despite their poor games, they again had a great opportunity to reach all three points, but Messi failed to score a penalty in 64th minute, or Icelandic goalkeeper Halldorsson was in great mood in that match, while in the continuation of the match the “Gauchos” had no chance to score. Otherwise, the Argentinians took the lead through Aguero in 19th minute, but only four minutes later, the Icelanders have scored a goal over Finnbogasson, which obviously largely disrupted the concept of coach Sampaoli.

That is why he has now announced a lot of changes in the team before this duel with Croatia, which is otherwise particularly strong in the middle of the field, so Sampaoli will probably change the tactical setting compared to the match with the Icelanders because he is also aware that he needs victory if he wants to finish in the group first. And that actually means that they should play with stronger midfield, but also with the top three players in the final line, where Mercado could get a chance instead of Roj. On the other hand, another well-experienced player, Perez, is expected with Mascherano in the middle of the field, while instead of Meze and di Maria, we this time from the first minute expect Acuna and Pavon, wo also got a chance against Iceland.

Probable lineups Argentina: Caballero – Mercado, Otamendi, Tagliafico – Salvio, Mascherano, Perez, Acuna – Messi, Aguero, Pavon

Croatia

Unlike the Argentines who were defeated in the match with Iceland, the experienced team of Croatia has routinely celebrated in their duel with Nigeria and thanks to the own goal of Etiopah and the goal by Modric from the penalty, they came to a very valuable victory of 2-0. And this is for the Croats the first win at the opening of the World Cup since 1998, when they in France, by winning the third place, reached their greatest success in history. That is why their fans believe that this generation could do something similar now in Russia, especially because their biggest stars, Modric, Rakitic and Mandzukic, are practically in the most exquisite playing years.

However, they will now have an extremely difficult job against the “wounded” Argentine, while in the final round they will certainly not be as easy against the very strong and struggling Icelanders, who are also in qualifiers for this World Cup eventually ended above them on the table. However, Dalic and his team are now only interested in this duel with “Gauchos”, of which we certainly expect a more offensive approach after that blunder in their duel with Iceland, so the Croats will this time probably have to slightly strengthen their midfield with Badelj. And that means that in contrast to the match with Nigeria, Kramaric should be eliminated from the starting lineup, while other players will probably keep their positions in the starting 11.

Probable lineups Croatia: Subasic – Vrsaljko, Vida, Lovren, Strinic – Rakitic, Badelj – Rebic, Modric, Perišic – Mandzukic

Verdict:

After playing only 1-1 against Iceland, the current world vice champions now have to go for the victory against Croatia if they want to end up being the first in their group, so we are confident that Messi and his teammates will finally do their best to succeed in that.

Pick: Argentina wins 2.08 - 108/100 @1XBet