Argentina did not have the start they wanted against Iceland just as the Super Eagles of Nigeria stumbled against Croatia.
On matchday 2 in Group D, Argentina will face Croatia on Thursday night, leaving Nigeria to ruminate over the result all night before their clash against Iceland on Friday.
The best rumination would be for Croatia to also beat Argentina so that Lionel Messi and his Argentina side become desperate in their last game – this is believing the Eagles can melt Iceland’s defence while freezing out their attack.
A draw would also suffice in this circumstance – meaning La Albiceleste would have two points after two games.
Argentina, at the moment, are on a bad run of form – having not won any match in their last three at the World Cup finals. Their last victory was against Belgium at the quarterfinal stage in the 2014 edition.
According to FIFA.com, Jorge Sampaoli is going to make changes to the starting 11, in what has been described as a must-win match.
“Desperate for the win that will keep his side’s fate in their own hands, Sampaoli is set to ring the changes, both in terms of tactics and personnel,” reports Diego Zandrino.
“His aim is to fashion a starting line-up that remains competitive but which can also play better football and penetrate the opposition defence down the flanks.
“Speed of response and the ability to keep their shape will also be crucial for the Argentinians at the back, as will the need to sharpen their finishing.”
For the Croats, a win or a draw would be good, as they will stay top of the group until Iceland play Nigeria on Friday.
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