2018 World Cup: Group D Betting Guide, Predictions, Tips & Odds – Argentina, Iceland, Croatia & Nigeria
About Group D
About Group DDespite their being no so-called “Group of Death” in Russia this summer, Group D is perhaps the most competitive, with some hugely appealing match-ups to look forward to. South American giants Argentina are the undoubted favourites, however the fact that they only secured qualification by the skin of their teeth demonstrates that they are not invincible. Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria will all be quietly confident of qualifying from Group D, with the former having impressed everyone with their performances at Euro 2016. This will be Iceland’s World Cup debut however, meaning that perhaps the experience of Croatia and Nigeria offers them a better chance of progression.
About Argentina
The fact that they are ranked 5th in the FIFA world rankings demonstrates Argentina’s credentials ahead of the World Cup, however manager Jorge Sampaoli is yet to find a winning formula on the international scene, with his decision to leave out Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi having also raised eyebrows. However, any team with Lionel Messi in its ranks is likely to have a good chance in Russia, with having lost in the final to Germany four years ago. Elsewhere, the likes of Sergio Aguero and Angel di Maria provide significant attacking threats for the South American’s.
About Iceland
Iceland have become something of a force on the international stage following their victory over England at Euro 2016, with Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side having finished above the likes of Croatia and the Ukraine in their respective World Cup qualifying campaign. Iceland will make their World Cup debut in Russia as a result, with their physical playing style likely to make things difficult for their opponents. The likes of Gylfi Sigurðsson, Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson and Birkir Bjarnason all play in England, while captain Aron Gunnarsson has recently gained promotion to the Premier League with Cardiff City.
About Croatia
Following their disappointing performances in Brazil four years ago, Croatia will be looking to make amends this time around, with the likes of Ivan Perisic, Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic helping to make up a talented starting line-up. Elsewhere, Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic will be full of confidence following their Champions League success with Real Madrid. Croatia lost 2-0 to Brazil at Anfield in their final warm-up match.
About Nigeria
Despite losing to England and the Czech Republic in their last two matches, Nigeria have been backed as a potential outsider by many this summer. The Super Eagles have a squad full of players from major European leagues, including Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi and Wilfried Ndidi. German boss Gernot Rohr led Nigeria to a successful qualifying campaign, where they lost just one match.
2018 World Cup Group D Winner Odds (888Sport)
- Argentina @4/6
- Croatia @23/10
- Nigeria @23/2
- Iceland @18/1
Group D Preview & Predictions
Should Argentina claim all three points against Iceland in their opening clash in Group D, it is difficult to look beyond the South American side running out group winners. With it already looking like a battle for the runner-up spot, Nigeria’s different style of play means that they are perhaps a good outside bet. Meanwhile, Croatia performed poorly in Brazil four years ago, however their hugely talented squad should have enough to make it out of Group D.
2018 World Cup Group D Fixtures
SATURDAY 16TH JUNE
- Argentina vs Iceland 14:00 – Otkrytie Arena, Moscow
- Croatia vs Nigeria 20:00 – Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad
THURSDAY 21ST JUNE
- Argentina vs Croatia 19:00 – Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod
FRIDAY 22ND JUNE
- Nigeria vs Iceland 16:00 – Volgograd Arena, Volgograd
TUESDAY 26TH JUNE
- Iceland vs Croatia 19:00 – Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don
- Nigeria vs Argentina 19:00 – Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg