X-raying 2018 FIFA World Cup teams – Group D

This is Nigeria’s group and it is difficult, with three different kinds of opposition. Argentina have the genius of Lionel Messi; Croatia are blessed with midfield wizardry while Iceland have the steadiest set of players in Russia. Nigeria will field the youngest set of players, inspired by hunger and sense of occasion.

Tournament football is radically different from a league played over 38 weeks spanning nine months. The team that will win the 2018 FIFA World Cup will play seven matches over a 30-day period. Mental, physical wherewithal and fast recuperative powers will help the winner plus a slice of luck and some favourable VAR decisions.

Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria

Argentina – The twice world champions have a chance as long as Messi plays well. They did not have a good qualifying campaign but Messi dragged them through – he will be expected to do the same in Russia.

Average Age: 29.6

Total number of Caps: 859

FIFA Ranking: 5

Manager: Jorge Sampaoli [58]

Three best players: Lionel Messi, Nicolas Otamendi, Sergio Aguero

Greatest Display: Won the 1978 and 1986 editions

Nickname: La Albiceleste

Conclusion: Can this ageing team be inspired all the way to the title by Messi’s genius? Realistically, the answer will be no, but football can surprise and with Messi, anything can happen as they almost won the 2014 edition without setting Brazil alight. A place in the quarterfinal could be the best result.

Iceland – A steady team who will be tactically astute and dangerous from set pieces but should not be able to surprise anyone after their 2016 heroics at the European Championship where they went as far as the quarterfinal.

Average Age: 28.6

Total number of Caps: 919

FIFA Ranking: 22

Manager: Heimir Hallgrímsson [50]

Three best players:

Greatest Display: First appearance

Nickname: Strakamir Okkar (Our Boys)

Conclusion: They had quite an achievement at the European championship. Anything beyond group stage in their first ever World Cup would be a success for the tiny European team.

Croatia – This golden generation seek to emulate the class of 1998 and they have enough ammunition in the barrel except in the central attacking area, where they lack a potent goal scorer.

Average Age: 27.9

Total number of Caps: 927