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Argentina vs Croatia Prediction & Betting tips
After the first matchday of the World Cup had to offer one or the other surprise, some nations are now particularly challenged on the second matchday. Argentina is probably one of the teams who had imagined the start of the tournament differently. After the 1-1 draw against Iceland, the South Americans are already under pressure against the Croats. The team of coach Zlatko Dalic leads the group D on the other hand and has for the remaining two games an excellent starting situation. Argentina is against the betting odds of the bookmakers judging against Croatia nevertheless the favorite. The venue of the match between the two nations is the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
Argentina:
Argentina gave a good start to the World Cup tournament last Saturday against Iceland. Despite clear superiority and numerous opportunities for goal came “La Albiceleste” at the World Cup debutants not over a 1-1 draw out. Superstar Lionel Messi awarded a penalty. Argentina are already under pressure in the upcoming game against Croatia.
With a total of two world titles, Argentina is one of the most successful national football teams worldwide. At the last World Cup 2014 in Brazil, the South Americans came to the final, in which they lost to Germany in extra time 0: 1. In the South American qualifiers Argentina had to shiver until the last match day to reach the finals of the World Cup. Thanks go to “La Albiceleste” in Brazil, who defeated Argentina’s rivals Chile 3-0 on the final day. The Argentine selection reached a record of seven wins, seven draws and four defeats in qualifying. As part of the preparation for the World Cup, the South Americans completed a few test matches. They had to accept, among other things, a significant 1-6 loss to Spain. In a total of five friendly matches, the team of coach Jorge Sampaoli conceded ten goals.
While Argentina are in an excellent position on offense, coach Jorge Sampaoli has a problem especially on goalkeeping. The original goalkeeper Sergio Romero missed the finals of the World Cup due to a knee injury. His replacement Willy Caballero got in the last season hardly match practice and completed so far only four games for the national team.
Croatia:
Croatia won the opening match in Group D 2-0 against Nigeria. The goals were scored by an own goal after half an hour as well as a converted penalty by captain Luka Modric. Before the match between Argentina and Croatia, where betting on the Argentine side brings lower odds, the Croats are now at the top of their standings in a comfortable starting position.
The tournament in Russia is Croatia’s fifth participation in a World Cup. At the last World Cup in Brazil “Kockasti” failed already in the preliminary round. They definitely want to survive that year. In qualifying for the tournament, Croatia ended up only in second place behind Iceland. In the subsequent playoff round, however, the Eastern Europeans prevailed against Greece (4: 1/0: 0). As part of the preparation for the World Cup, the Croatian selection completed four friendly matches. She won against Mexico and Senegal, but lost to Peru and Brazil.
The Croatian squad, which coach Zlatko Dalic has for the World Cup, is peppered with top stars. With Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida and Sime Vrsaljko Croatia has experienced players on the defensive. Their midfield and offensive are even better with Ivan Rakitic, Luka Modric, Mateo Kavacic and Mario Mandzukic. In at least eight out of ten qualifiers, the Croatians scored at least one goal. Mario Mandzukic was with five goals the most dangerous scorer in the country. Before the second group match against Argentina Zlatko Dalic are all players available.
Argentina vs Croatia head to head matches
12.11.14 FI Argentina Croatia 2 : 1
01.03.06 FI Argentina Croatia 2 : 3
26.06.98 WC Argentina Croatia 1 : 0