These sides are at different stages of their life cycles, so this could be an exciting affair.
This is a key match because these are the two sides realistically fighting for second place. Croatia have a strong side at their peak, while Nigeria have a young side full of promise. Whoever wins this goes top of the group due to Argentina’s draw with Iceland. The Scandinavian side have shown that they are more than capable at this level with a unique style of play among teams in the tournament. Therefore, this is a really tough and tight group, so any points are crucial.
World Cup preparation
Croatia had two friendlies after the domestic season ended with mixed success. They were comfortably beaten by a strong Brazil side, but managed to beat Senegal. That was their second win in four games since they beat Greece over two legs in the qualifying play-offs, with the other coming against Mexico.
Nigeria’s preparation was far from ideal because they have only won of the six friendlies in this calendar year, which was back in March against Poland. They were never expected to beat England, but the loss to Czech Republic and the draw with DR Congo were disappointments.
Players to watch
Croatia: Luka Modric
The 32-year-old has been part of a Real Madrid midfield three which has dominated in the Champions League. He is the key cog because of his range of abilities, so the team can control games by dictating the tempo as well as breaking through opposition lines. There is a strong case for him to be one of the top midfielders in the world over the past few seasons.
This Croatian team is similar to his club in that it is stacked with talented midfielders. Therefore, they should be able to patiently pull apart teams while also having Mario Mandzukic if they need to be more direct. He can take them to the next level, though, when they need to break through an opponent.
Modric will be integral to their play in the midfield and final thirds, with most of it channelling through him. He can quickly switch play to take advantage of space on either flank as well as cutting through the opposition lines with his passing and dribbling. The Real Madrid man is important all over the pitch because he provides a safe option due to being near enough impossible to press. They will need him performing at a top-level if they want to go far in this tournament, but he should provide the difference against Nigeria.
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Nigeria: John Obi Mikel
This will be a tough game for the Super Eagles because they are unlikely to see much of the ball, so Mikel’s leadership will be just as important as his on-field contributions. They need to stay disciplined and focused mentally, otherwise they will start to leave gaps which the opposition can exploit. Mikel will be important in dropping deep to help the midfield two as well as providing attacking drive in the central areas. Most of the attacks will be the counter, so his decision-making will be key.
There will also be periods where they need to maintain control over possession to take the pressure off the defence. He will be key in slowing play down and circulating it efficiently. Without this they run the risk of being stuck in their own half, and that will probably lead to them conceding. They will also have to be intelligent in how they disrupt Croatia’s play, especially in midfield, with Mikel being a pivotal figure in this.
Possible Lineups
Croatia (4-2-3-1): Subasic; Vrsaljko, Lovren, Corluka, Strinic; Rakitic, Badelj; Kramaric, Modric, Perisic; Mandzukic
Nigeria (4-2-3-1): Uzoho; Abdullahi, Troost-Ekong, Omeruo, Idowu; Ndidi, Obi; Moses, Mikel, Iwobi; Ighalo
Next: 3TWL in the first two matchdays of the World Cup
Prediction: Croatia 2-1 Nigeria
The Croatian midfield should comfortably control this game, but the Super Eagles can be dangerous on the break. Croatia had issues against this in their friendly against Senegal, so this should be little different. Nigeria are likely to take one of those opportunities, but Croatia should have enough to come away with three points in an exciting contest.