Argentina headlines Group D at the World Cup in Russia after finishing second to Germany at the 2014 tournament in Brazil. Croatia, Nigeria and Iceland all offer something that could make this group very interesting.
Argentina
Odds To Win Group D: 1.59
Argentina won the World Cup in 1978 at home and again in 1986, and they have finished second three times. They finished third in CONMEBOL to go to Russia, led by seven goals from captain and striker Lionel Messi, who is still one of top two or three players in the world. But like Barcelona, Argentina is still very dependent on Messi, who turns 31 in June and he looked exhausted in the loss to Germany in 2014. They have talent, led by strikers Sergio Aguero, who will be 30 next June and Angel Di Maria turns 30 in February; he can play up front or in midfield. Di Maria was injured in the quarterfinals in Brazil, which put more pressure on Messi. They’re pretty solid at the back (although Javier Mascherano will be 34 next June), but Argentina has to have more help for Messi
Croatia
Odds To Win Group D: 3.2
Croatia has qualified for the World Cup four times, with third place in 1998 as their best result. They went out at the group stage in 2014, but they reached Russia with a 4-1 two-legged win over Greece in the UEFA playoffs. Mario Mandzukic scored five goals to lead Croatia in qualification, but he’ll be 32 next May. Captain and midfielder Luka Modric is 32 years old, and fellow midfielders Ivan Perisic and Ivan Rakitic will be 29 and 30 by the World Cup. Croatia needs a little youth in attack and at the back, there are questions as to how their defense will hold up against the best in the world. Still, Croatia is going to be a tough out in Russia.
Nigeria
Odds To Win Group D: 10
Nigeria made it to the Round of 16 in 2014 for the second time, and they’re back after winning their CAF group. Goals could be hard to come by for Nigeria as striker Ahmed Musa leads their team with 13 career goals, but he doesn’t scare the best in the world. Fellow forwards Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho are promising, but they’re both 21 years old (Iwobi will be 22 by the World Cup). Nigeria has to be stout at the back and not make any mistakes, but that might be asking a lot.
Iceland
Odds To Win Group D: 12
Iceland qualified for the World Cup for the first time by winning their UEFA group, and they gained a lot of confidence from their quarterfinal run at Euro 2014, where they ousted England. That is what makes them dangerous; it is that they aren’t afraid of anyone and they know they can win on their day. Gylfi Sigurosson scored four goals in qualification, and the midfielder is 28 years old. Iceland has a good mix of youth and experience in their team, and they have a few players entering their prime. IF they open up the World Cup with a win over Argentina, watch out.
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