Croatia and Argentina are currently top two in Group D, but it’s Lionel Messi and company who need at least a point in this match more, as they only drew with Iceland in their opening match, while the Croats managed to take down Nigeria. Read on fore preview of this match below.
Argentina’s first match in the tournament did not end up the way La Albiceleste expected it be, as they only drew 1-1 with Iceland, but it could have gotten worse for the team. At the very least, the Argentinians should still very good about themselves as they are currently second in the group with a point. Argentina had numerous chances to score more than just a goal, as they seriously outshot Iceland, 26-9. They also had control of the ball a staggering 72 percent of the time. They just could not get through the deep-seated and clogged defense of Iceland. The key for Argentina is to spread across the wealth on the attack, meaning less reliance on superstar Lionel Messi, who took 11 shots in the opening match but failed to find the back of the net. He will still look to get it going though against Croatia. Argentina have allowed a total of four goals in their last two meetings with Croatia.
Betting on Croatia (+265)
Unlike Argentina, Croatia had little trouble disposing off Nigeria with a commanding 2-0 victory. The team’s elite midfield showcased just how capable it is, though, the Croats still looked like they need some more fine tuning on the attack. Luka Modric of Real Madrid and Ivan Rakitic of Barcelona helped set up Croatia’s two goals, while also making sure Nigeria won’t get many clean chances on the counter attack. Croatia possessed the ball 54 percent during 54 percent of the game and launched 11 shot attempts with two going on target against Nigeria. The Croats could also learn from Iceland, who, despite losing to Argentina, managed to neutralize Messi. With guys like Modric and Rakitic, it’s not a stretch to think Croatia could be the second team to put the clamps on the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. Croatia have scored in each of its last five World Cup matches.
