FIFA WORLD CUP 2018
World Cup 2018: Croatia vs Nigeria Preview
Kaliningrad, Russia – Croatia and Nigeria go head-to-head in Saturday’s late kick-off, looking to gain an early advantage in this group of death that could see any of the four teams eliminated when the dust settles. Brazilian referee Sandro Ricci will officiate this game.
Current Form:
While Croatia’s qualifying campaign was spotty, the buildup to the World Cup has been promising with wins over Senegal and Mexico and a 2-0 loss to Brazil.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles come into their tournament opener having failed to win in their last four international friendlies and dogged by scandal with coach Gernot Rohr accusing some reporters of unethical behaviour and coming up with lies in the build-up to the World Cup.
Match Facts:
This will be the first encounter between Croatia and Nigeria.
Croatia’s only previous World Cup game against African opposition saw them beat Cameroon 4-0 in June 2014.
Nigeria have won just one of their last six World Cup matches against European sides (drew one, lost four), beating Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2014.
Team News:
Croatian gaffer Zlatko Dalic has a fully fit squad to chose from, with Ivan Strinic tipped to get the nod at left back. The experienced quartet Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Vedran Corluka and Mario Mandzukic are expected to start.
Brighton centre-back Leon Balogun is a doubt for the Super Eagles after missing training on Thursday. Star midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is expected to start, despite concerns over a hamstring injury.
Potential Lineups:
Croatia (4-2-3-1) : Subasic; Vrsaljko, Lovren, Corluka, Strinic; Rakitic, Badelj, Perisic, Modric, Kramaric; Mandzukic
Nigeria (4-2-3-1) : Uzoho; Idowu, Omeruo, Troost-Ekong, Elderson; Onazi, Ndidi, Moses, Mikel, Iwobi; Ighalo
Match Prediction:
Both sides are likely to put their emphasis into the midfield area and, if they do, they could well find themselves cancelling each other out and looking for moments of magic to make the difference in the scoreline.
However, Croatia could prove to be too strong for the African side and are most likely to earn the three points.
Prediction: Croatia 2-0 Nigeria
