One of the bigger nights in Argentina footballing history arrives on Tuesday night when they go into their final World Cup Group D encounter with Nigeria knowing if they are to remain in Russia beyond the group stages they must win.
Even with a win there are no guarantees Argentina progress as if Iceland can find a win over Croatia in the other match it will be them who progress if they can keep their goal difference better than the champions of 1978 and 1986.
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Nigeria vs Argentina
It is winner takes all in the match against Nigeria and Argentina on Tuesday evening with whoever progresses likely to go through to the knockout stage. The beauty of this match is that the draw may not suit either as it would still allow Iceland to finish second so both should be looking for the victory.
We’ve been both sides of Nigeria in this tournament. They were rancid in their opening game against Croatia. Whether the occasion was too big for them or not I’m not sure although in fairness the Croats do look a class above anything in this group. In the second match though we saw the silky skills, the free flowing easy style that African sides have and they’ll be dangerous if they can produce that here.
Argentina have been pretty ordinary in both matches but now is the time for them to turn it on if they are able to. The question is are they able to because this looks like a completely divided group of players with a manager who is unable to get the best out of them. That said, when you have Lionel Messi in your midst you always have a chance.
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Iceland vs Croatia
Croatia can have a nerve free evening in their final match of the group when they take on Iceland, who they are becoming well known to given that these two were in the same qualification section as well. Croatia are already through and a draw will win them the group. Iceland must win and hope it is enough to qualify.
Iceland have had a bit of a go in this tournament but we saw them seriously outclassed in their last match against Nigeria. That will be a concern but they beat Croatia in the qualifying section for this tournament so they know they have it in them but having covered a lot of ground against Nigeria on a hot day they will need to recover quickly.
Croatia have been a joy to watch at this tournament so far. The class they have in the middle of the park is a joy to behold and they don’t lack a huge amount up top either. With France looking likely to win the other group there will be a premium on Croatia getting the point they need to ensure they win this section and avoid them.
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Betting
I’m expecting the Nigeria and Argentina match to ignite quickly and there just has to be goals in the game. Both sides have much better forward lines than they do defences. In fact both teams have looked wide open at the back, Argentina more so than anyone. Nigeria should get the chances they need to win the game but Argentina have to win the game so I’m expecting two sides on the front foot here with over 2.5 goals looking very likely.
I also can’t ignore this Argentina back line either. It is rancid and with the discontent in the camp, if Nigeria score first I wouldn’t be in the least bit surprised if the South Americans pack it in and leave themselves exposed time and again. Nigeria beat Argentina 4-2 in a friendly in Russia in November and at 6/1 I’ll have a small bet they beat them again.
The other match is more difficult to bet on because Croatia are set to make a number of changes. I’m on them to avoid defeat by virtue of the fact I am on them to win the group and that is enough for much of my interest but I can’t avoid a cheeky play on Gylfi Sigurdsson to score anytime. Most things Iceland do come through him and he’s on all set pieces. With Iceland having to win and needing to spend as much time as possible on the front foot I expect their talisman to see a lot of the ball and a shade over 3/1 for him to find the net at any point is perfectly acceptable.
Tips
WON – Back Nigeria vs Argentina – Over 2.5 goals for a 5/10 stake at 1.80 with Skybet
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Back Nigeria to beat Argentina for a 1/10 stake at 7.00 with BetVictor
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WON – Back G.Sigurdsson Anytime Goalscorer for a 2/10 stake at 4.40 with Unibet
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