FIFA World Cup
Iceland vs Croatia Preview
Iceland face Croatia Tuesday in Rostov Arena at 2 pm as the race for second place in Group D culminates. Already through to the knockout rounds, Croatia only need a draw to top the group. Iceland however, need a win as well as some luck from the Argentina-Nigeria match for their story to continue.
Background:
Iceland’s first appearance in the World Cup finals has been impressive, grinding out a draw in their first match with Argentina. The tie, reminiscent of their big performance at the Euros in 2016 brought significant drama and criticism to Argentina’s World Cup experience. One of the tournament’s most loved teams, the Icelandic squad includes a filmmaker and salt factory employee among others. Should they prevail, the small Nordic nation would be the first debuting nation to make it past the group stage since Slovakia in 2010.
Croatia have yet to concede a goal in Russia, and know a draw or more will make them the first in their nation’s history to top a group. Captain Luka Modric has been in magnificent form, scoring twice and controlling game play for the Croats. Along side him, Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has been equally effective with neither Nigeria or Argentina having an answer for the duo. Passage being secured, coach Zlatko Dalić, is expected to rest several players. As a result, Mateo Kovačić may partner his Real Madrid teammate in midfield with Rakitic being on a yellow card.
Predicted Lineups:
Iceland: Haldorsson; Magnusson, Sigurdsson, Arnason, Saevarsson, Giaslason; Bjarnason, Sigurdsson, Gunnarsson; Finnbogason, Bodvarsson
Croatia: Kalinic; Jedvaj, Corluka, Caleta-Car, Pivaric; Bradaric, Badelj, Pjaca, Kovacic; Perisic, Kramaric
Prediction:
Inspiring as they may be, the situation is not a favorable one for the Icelandic team. They have not won a match in their previous eight outings and their European opponents have emerged as one of the hottest teams in the tournament. Nevertheless, they narrowly managed to defeat ‘The Blazers’ in a World Cup Qualifier last year at home. An upset is within the realm of possibility. Presently however, any Croatian player fielded by Dalić will be eager to impress for the knockout rounds. Moreover, momentum is something they will want to be maintained as they finish the group on a high.
Iceland 0 – 2 Croatia
