Group D at the World Cup in Russia continues on June 16th with a matchup between Croatia and Nigeria. Croatia has been tipped as one of the top sleeper teams to watch this summer, but Nigeria aren’t going to back down from them in what should be a very good (and crucial) game.
What To Know About Croatia
Croatia went out in the group stage in Brazil in 2014, and then were eliminated in the round of 16 at Euro 2016. They finished second in their UEFA group and then handled Greece 4-1 over two legs in a playoff to get to Russia, and Mario Mandzukic had five goals in qualification to lead the team. However, Croatia are powered by a midfield that could be one of the best of the world. Luke Modric leads the way, but Ivan Perisic, Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Rakitic are all really good in their own right. The duo of Marcelo Brozovic and Milan Badelj are underrated, as well. The midfield has to be good as only Domagoj Vida played ten qualification games for Croatia, so there are some questions there. That also means that the midfield has to be good in shielding the defense as well as going forward and turning defense to attack with a single pass. It is a good thing that all of those players can do that for Croatia.
What To Know About Nigeria
Nigeria got to the round of 16 in Brazil and won their CAF group to return to the World Cup in Russia. They have some good, young talent going forward as Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi are both 21 years old, and Ahmed Musa has scored 13 goals for his country at 25 years old. Victor Moses is listed as a forward, but he has played midfield for Chelsea all season and will likely go there to help out captain John Obi Mikel, who now plays in China. Nigeria only named two players older than 25 to recent friendlies, so inexperience could be an issue at the back. Ikechukwu Ezenwa has just 24 appearances for his country and figures to be the #1 goalkeeper. But Nigeria are likely to be a very fun team to watch in Russia this summer, even if they aren’t successful.
Outlook
Croatia are favored in this World Cup matchup at 1.85, while Nigeria are rated at 4.33 and a draw comes in at 3.40. These two countries have never met before, but Croatia are the deserved favorites as they have the ability to control this game through their midfield. But doing that, Nigeria’s attacking players could be starved of service and given their inexperience, they could rush when they do manage to get a chance against a Croatia defense that isn’t the best. Mandzukic could also have a field day against a Nigeria back line that isn’t very inspiring. Croatia should win this game easily enough, but Nigeria’s willingness to play an open-style game should at least make it entertaining for the fans.
World Cup Betting Pick: Draw
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