2018 World Cup Group D: Nigeria face familiar foes in Argentina

Argentina were handed a relatively easy draw in Russia next summer, with La Albiceleste facing off against Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria in Group D. 

Argentina 

It took a 3-1 win over Ecuador back in October for Argentina to secure their spot at the World Cup, with La Albiceleste falling well short of expectations on their route to the tournament. Despite an abundance of attacking talent, they averaged just 1.1 goals per game in qualifying, with three of the eight current top scorers in Europe’s top five leagues Argentin. 

Croatia 

Croatia effectively had two play-offs in their quest to land a spot at Russia 2018, but navigated both with ease as they overcame both Ukraine and Greece to secure a World Cup berth. Zlatko Dalic has a raft of midfield and attacking talent at his disposal, however, and despite their stutters in the group stages, the 17th best-ranked team in football should make an impact next summer. 

Iceland 

Iceland won admirers at Euro 2016 after they dispatched of England in the knockout stages and topped a group that included Croatia, Ukraine and Turkey on their way to securing a place at the World Cup. They’re familiar with Croatia’s style and approach and beat their Group D counterparts at home in qualifying. They’ll be a number of supporters’ second team when the tournament kicks off in 195 days’ time, particularly if they can replicate their Euro 2016 performances. 

Nigeria 

Nigeria have been drawn with Argentina in a World Cup group stage in five of their last six entries into the tournament. The Super Eagles topped their qualifying group with ease, winning four of six matches, collecting 14 of 18 points along the way. They have ample experience running through the squad and a number of players that ply their trade in Europe’s top leagues, including Victor Moses, Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi. They finished second in their group at the 2014 World Cup – they’ll likely settle for that again next summer.