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World Cup 2018 : Top 3 hotly-contested groups

By Chiranjib Ghosh

ROME, ITALY - OCTOBER 12: The FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the Italian Football Federation trophies exhibition at the 'Aldo Fabrizi' cultural center on October 12, 2015 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY - OCTOBER 12: The FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the Italian Football Federation trophies exhibition at the 'Aldo Fabrizi' cultural center on October 12, 2015 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) /
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KRASNODAR, RUSSIA – NOVEMBER 14: Obi Mikel of Nigeria celebrates after winning an international friendly match between Argentina and Nigeria at Krasnodar Stadium on November 14, 2017 in Krasnodar, Russia. (Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images)
KRASNODAR, RUSSIA – NOVEMBER 14: Obi Mikel of Nigeria celebrates after winning an international friendly match between Argentina and Nigeria at Krasnodar Stadium on November 14, 2017 in Krasnodar, Russia. (Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images) /

3. Group D – Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria

It is pretty obvious who will win the group. But it is hard to say who will take second place. Argentina are clear favourites, but among Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria, anyone is capable of occupying the second qualifying place.

While Croatia may be called favourites in this threesome battle, Iceland and Nigeria can cause upsets. But it needless to say that Croatia have the starpower.

The Croatian defence is highly experienced, consisting of the likes of Vedran Ćorluka and Domagoj Vida, who have a reliable Danijel Subašić behind them. The attack is led by Ivan Perišić and Mario Mandžukić, who has 30 goals in 81 appearances for his country. But the best part about the side is its midfield. Manager Zlatko Dalić will be spoilt for choice with Marcelo Brozović, Ivan Rakitić, Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić in the same squad.

But Iceland have something that the other sides lack, the ability to punch above their weight with ease. They have created a international reputation for being the ‘party crashers’ by reaching the Quarter-Final of the Euros, beating England on the way.

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Hannes Halldórsson and Gylfi Sigurðsson will need to replicate their performances in the Euros if Iceland are to stand a chance against the likes of Argentina, Croatia and Nigeria. Also, Ragnar Sigurðsson, Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson and Alfreð Finnbogason will need to be at their best. But the onus is on Gylfi Sigurðsson to lead from the front.

Nigeria is also capable of putting up a brave fight. Their defence is a bit of an unknown quantity, with the Chelsea youngster Kenneth Omeruo the only recognisable name. The Nigerian midfield will be led by John Obi Mikel and Ogenyi Onazi, both of whom will be under tremendous pressure to perform. But their attack does not have a dearth of talent. While Ahmed Musa provides the experience up top, Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi provide youth. And they will be ably backed up by the likes of Moses Simon and Odion Ighalo.

But Argentina easily have the best squad in the group. They have an experienced backline, with the likes of Nicolás Otamendi and Javier Mascherano. The midfield is also very talented, with Éver Banega and Javier Pastore starring in the middle. But the Argentine attack is easily the best in the world. Mauro Icardi, Gonzalo Higuaín, Paulo Dybala, Ángel Di María and Sergio Agüero are some of the best players in the world, and there is no one better equipped to lead such a group than Lionel Messi.

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