Croatia aspire to keep unbeaten streak

Iceland and Croatia face off in Rostov-on-Don as Group D reaches an exciting conclusion, reports FIFA.com.

The Croatians made the best possible start to their campaign with victory over Nigeria and a particularly impressive win over Argentina. With their place in the Round of 16 now secure, they have the incentive of trying to emulate the nation’s magical run at France 1998. Before they set about that task, they can have a say on who joins them in the next round. Should they beat or draw with the Icelanders, they will send them home.

Even a win may not be enough for Iceland, as they will need to keep an eye on Argentina’s meeting with Nigeria in Saint Petersburg. If Nigeria win, Iceland will go out. If Argentina draw or win, it will all come down to goal difference.

Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men have one happy memory of meetings past with Croatia: the 1-0 win in the qualifiers for Russia 2018. Three of their players will also feel right at home: Sverrir Ingason, Ragnar Sigurdsson and Bjorn Sigurdarson all play for Rostov.

Iceland have a habit of bouncing back from defeats such as the one they suffered against Nigeria. After employing a 4-4-2 formation against the African side, they look likely to revert to the 4-5-1 used against Argentina and in that victory over the Croatians a little over a year ago. Emil Hallfredsson starred in that match and is expected to return to the starting XI along with Johann Gudmundsson, who is close to being fully fit again.

Croatia have achieved their first objective of reaching the last 16, giving them the perfect opportunity to rest some of their players following the superb win over the Argentinians. Coach Zlatko Dalic is well aware of Iceland’s strengths and will put out a midfield that he hopes will build the play, score goals and help the side top the group with a perfect nine points.

Croatia aspire to keep unbeaten streak

Iceland and Croatia face off in Rostov-on-Don as Group D reaches an exciting conclusion, reports FIFA.com. The Croatians made the best possible start to their campaign with victory over Nigeria and a particularly impressive win over Argentina. With their place in the Round of 16 now secure, they have the incentive of trying to emulate the nations magical run at France 1998. Before they set about that task, they can have a say on who joins them in the next round. Should they beat or draw with the Icelanders, they will send them home. Even a win may not be enough for Iceland, as they will need to keep an eye on Argentinas meeting with Nigeria in Saint Petersburg. If Nigeria win, Iceland will go out. If Argentina draw or win, it will all come down to goal difference. Heimir Hallgrimssons men have one happy memory of meetings past with Croatia: the 1-0 win in the qualifiers for Russia 2018. Three of their players will also feel right at home: Sverrir Ingason, Ragnar Sigurdsson and Bjorn Sigurdarson all play for Rostov. Iceland have a habit of bouncing back from defeats such as the one they suffered against Nigeria. After employing a 4-4-2 formation against the African side, they look likely to revert to the 4-5-1 used against Argentina and in that victory over the Croatians a little over a year ago. Emil Hallfredsson starred in that match and is expected to return to the starting XI along with Johann Gudmundsson, who is close to being fully fit again. Croatia have achieved their first objective of reaching the last 16, giving them the perfect opportunity to rest some of their players following the superb win over the Argentinians. Coach Zlatko Dalic is well aware of Icelands strengths and will put out a midfield that he hopes will build the play, score goals and help the side top the group with a perfect nine points.