Russia 2018: Messi To Lead Argentina As They Hope For A Win Against Croatia - Sports - Nairaland
Nairaland Forum / Entertainment / Sports / Russia 2018: Messi To Lead Argentina As They Hope For A Win Against Croatia (263 Views)
Super Falcons Resume Training As They Hope For Favourable Results Tonight / Etebo Replies A Fan Who Said He Played Rubbish Against Croatia / Nigeria Makes Its Worst World Cup Outing Against Croatia. (2) (3) (4)
(1) (Reply)
| Russia 2018: Messi To Lead Argentina As They Hope For A Win Against Croatia by dabblesports(m): 10:34am On Jun 21, 2018 |
The battle in Group D resumes today as current group topper Croatia face Argentina in the ongoing Fifa World Cup taking place in Russia. Croatia, who will reach the last 16 with a win, go into the game without Nikola Kalinic. The striker was sent home after refusing to come on as a substitute against Nigeria, citing a back problem. The Croats didn't field a recognised defensive midfielder in their opening game, and must decide whether to stick with that adventurous line-up. Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli is reportedly considering abandoning the 4-2-3-1 formation used against Iceland in favour of a 3-4-3 system. Boca Juniors winger Cristian Pavon could start his first competitive game, while Gabriel Mercado and Marcos Acuna may also earn recalls. [b]Argentina's 1-1 draw with Iceland followed a familiar script; a painful struggle to break down opponents who sit deep, plus costly defensive errors. It was their qualification campaign in microcosm - and while they eventually booked their place in Russia thanks to Lionel Messi's hat-trick in Ecuador, this time the great man's aim was wayward. Messi had 11 shots at goal in the opening game (including a penalty), the most by a player at a World Cup without scoring since 1974. Croatia didn't need to be at their best to beat Nigeria 2-0, and only registered their first shot on target from open play in the 92nd minute. The Croats are hoping to win back-to-back World Cup games for the first time since their brilliant debut campaign in 1998. They boast a star-studded midfield more than capable of going toe-to-toe with the Argentines, and know that a win will book their place in the knockout stage. What the coaches say - Argentina defender Gabriel Mercado: "This is a vital game. We need to win to go ahead of them. "We know that Croatia has those two players in the centre (Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic) who have good control of the ball. They try to take a lead role too and they have other very good players." Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic: "There is no perfect way to stop Lionel Messi ... he is the greatest player in the world. "But while one excellent player can make a great result, a great team does the job much better ... We will go into the game a little bit more relaxed than them." [/b] Head-to-head Their four previous meetings have produced two wins for Argentina, one Croatian victory and a draw. The only encounter at a World Cup came in the group stage at the 1998 World Cup. Both sides were already through to the last 16, but Argentina's 1-0 win - secured by a Mauricio Pineda goal - ensured they topped the group. Argentina The last time Argentina failed to win either of their first two World Cup games was in 1974. Their only defeat in their last 16 group games is the 1-0 loss to England in 2002 (W12, D3). They have scored more than once in just two of their last 10 competitive games, netting nine times in total during that run. Argentina had the worst shot conversion rate in South American qualifying (8.1%). Sergio Aguero has scored in each of his last four appearances for Argentina. Lionel Messi has failed to score with his last 21 shots in matches at World Cup finals. But over the last two years he has scored 14 goals in 17 games for Argentina, including six in his last four games (hat-tricks against Ecuador and Haiti). Croatia Victory would see the Croats win back-to-back World Cup games for the first time since 1998. Croatia have never lost their second group game at a World Cup (W3, D1), conceding just one goal in four matches - in a 2-1 victory against Italy in 2002. The Croats have lost all four of their World Cup games against South American opposition (three defeats versus Brazil and one against Argentina). Despite beating Nigeria 2-0 in their opening match, Croatia didn't register a shot on target from open play until the 92nd minute. Luka Modric's 71st minute penalty was their first shot on target. Vedran Corluka, who was an unused substitute against Nigeria, could win his 100th cap. www.dabbsports.com 1 Share
|
(1) (Reply)
Emre Can Set For Juventus Medical Today, Arrives In Italy (Photos) / Raheem Sterling To Start For England Against Panama In World Cup Clash / Nigeria Vs Argentina
(Go Up)
| Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 19 |