The Stats Zone
· Trystan Pugh

2018 FIFA World Cup – Iceland vs Croatia Preview

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AT A GLANCE

When? Tuesday 26th June, 19:00

Where? Rostov Arena

What channel is it on? BBC4

Where can I stream the match? BBC license holders can stream the match online via BBC iPlayer

Are tickets still available? https://www.ticketbisevents.com/en/group-d-argentina-iceland-croatia-nigeria-tickets/ca5914

THE TEAM NEWS

ICELAND

  • Iceland have not won any of their last eight international matches and they come off a disappointing 2-0 loss to Nigeria last time out so they really need to lift themselves to get something here.
  • The pressure is on them to win this game to have any chance of qualifying so they have to be at their best to beat the group leaders who have been one of the more impressive teams so far.
  • Gudmundsson remains a major injury doubt but Hallgrimsson is likely to make just one change and bring Hallfredsson into midfield which will mean pushing Gylfi Sigurdsson further forward.

Predicted line-up (4-4-1-1):

Halldorsson

Saevarsson, R. Sigurdsson, Arnason, Magnusson

Gislason, Hallfredsson, Gunnarsson, Bjarnason

G. Sigurdsson

Finnbogason

Unavailable: None

Doubtful: J. Gudmundsson

CROATIA

  • Croatia will top their group barring something crazy after two impressive wins in their opening two matches against Nigeria and Argentina so the pressure is off them for this final group match.
  • Coach Zlatko Dalic is planning to make various rotations as he has six players who are one yellow card away from picking up a suspension, and he has confirmed as much already in the media.
  • He may also decide to rest some key men like Modric and Perisic too given their value and importance to this talented Croatian side so their line-up should be checked here.

Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1):

Subasic

Pivaric, Lovren, Vida, Strinic

Kovacic, Badelj

Perisic, Modric, Pjaca

Kramaric

Unavailable: N. Kalinic

Doubtful: None

THE PREDICTION

Iceland have stolen the hearts of many at EURO 2016 and this World Cup, but the reality is they have not won any of their last eight international matches. Even with Croatia rotating, they will find this tough, but they will give it their all which should lead to an open game with goals aplenty.

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