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Tag: Croatia

  • Breaking! Croatia Beat Russia on Penalties

    • Russia 2-2 Croatia
    • Croatia win 4-3 on pens
    • Croatia v England in SF on Weds
    • Cheryshev stunner for 1-0 (31)
    • Kramaric header for 1-1 (39)
    • Vida heads in extra-time (101)
    • Fernandes header levels (115)
    • 2018 World Cup quarter-fine

    Match Preview (more…)

  • Match Updates: World Cup: Croatia Beat Denmark 3-2 On Penalties

    All the action as it happened as Croatia beat Denmark 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in their World Cup last 16 tie.

    FT: Croatia 1-1 Denmark
    Croatia win 3-2 on pens
    Subasic saves three penalties
    Modric misses late pen (116)
    Zanka with early scramble (1)
    Mandzukic levels (4)
    Croatia will play Russia in QF

    OPTA STATS

    Denmark have lost two of their three penalty shootouts at major tournaments, also losing against Spain in the Euro 1984 semi-final (won the other at Euro 1992 against the Netherlands).

    This match was only the second in World Cup history to see both teams score inside four minutes, after Argentina v Nigeria in June 2014.

    Mathias Jorgensen scored for Denmark after 57 seconds, the fastest goal scored in a World Cup match since Clint Dempsey scored after 29 seconds for USA against Ghana in 2014.

    Mario Mandzukic’s equaliser for Croatia after 3 minutes and 40 seconds was Croatia’s second fastest World Cup goal, behind only Darijo Srna’s goal against Australia in June 2006 (1:56).

    CROATIA v DENMARK TEAM NEWS

    Modric and Perisic are the only two players to keep their place from the 2-1 win over Iceland, with nine brought back having been rested.

    For Denmark, Poulsen comes in for Sisto, and Knudsen replaces Larsen following the dull 0-0 draw with France last week.

    DENMARK TEAM NEWS

    Team to play Croatia: Schmeichel; Dalsgaard, Zanka, Kjaer, Christensen; Braithwaite, Knudsen, Delaney, Eriksen; Poulsen, Cornelius

    CROATIA TEAM NEWS

    Team to play Denmark: Subasic; Vrsaljko, Vida, Lovren, Strinic; Brozovic, Rakitic; Rebic, Modric, Perisic; Mandzukic

  • Okocha praises Rohr for accepting Criticism

    Former Super Eagles international, Austin Jay Jay Okocha has heaped praises on Coach Gernot Rohr for accepting criticisms and changing his tactics, leading to Nigeria’s victory over Iceland in the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup.

    Okocha, speaking on Supersports after the Super Eagles’ 2-0 victory over Iceland, noted that it is difficult for coaches these days to accept criticisms, but with Rohr doing that, he should be commended.

    Recall that Okocha had blamed the 2-0 loss to Croatia in the first match to lack of having a creative midfielder, urging Rohr to play Iwobi in the midfield.

    In his word “I think I am a little better now. I was a bit nervous going into this match, but I must commend Coach Gernot Rohr for accepting criticisms and changing tactics for this game.  It is difficult for coaches these days to accept criticisms, as they always prefer to stick to their plans, but his change of tactics has granted Nigeria victory.”

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria started the campaign against Iceland slowly, becoming the first team in the 2018 World Cup not to have a shot in the first 45 minutes of action.

    Read Also: Russia 2018: Okocha blames loss to Croatia on lack of creativity

    But they came out a different side in the second half, recording four shots on target, converting two in the process. Victor Moses lofted a pass towards Ahmed Musa in the 49th minute, and he controlled the ball and smashed in the half volley.

    The Nigerian striker would go on to get his brace in the 75th minute when he found space on the left, beat Iceland defender Kari Arnason and rounded goalkeeper Hannes Por Halldorsson before slamming the ball into the net.

    Musa is now the first Nigerian player to score a brace in two FIFA World Cup matches.

    Nigeria will face Argentina in the last group match in St Petersburg on Tuesday, 26th June, in a match where the winner will qualify for the round of sixteen,  while Iceland face group leaders Croatia in Rostov-on-Don.

    Iceland had a chance to reduce the scoreline in the 89th minute, when they got a penalty, awarded by the VAR but Gylfi Sigurdsson went on to miss it.

  • Argentina 0-3 Croatia – shambolic Argentina put to sword

    • Argentina 0-3 Croatia (7pm)
    • Rebic scores after Caballero howler
    • Modric stunner makes it 2-0 (81)
    • Rakitic in injury-time (90+1)
    • Messi, Aguero in attack
    • Di Maria, Rojo, Biglia left out
    • Brozovic in for Kramaric
    • Croatia through if they win
    • Group D clash

     

    FT: Croatia are through to the last 16 of the World Cup after a stunning 3-0 victory in Nizhny Novgorod which leaves Argentina in serious danger of exiting at the group stage.

    Ante Rebic made the most of a Willy Caballero howler to open the scoring in the 53rd minute before Luka Modric curled in a sensational second (81) and Ivan Rakitic stroked in an injury-time third to secure his side’s passage to the knock-out stages.

    But after their opening 1-1 draw with Iceland, Argentina go into their final Group D game with Nigeria with only one point and their hopes of staying in Russia beyond the group stage are hanging by a thread.

     

    Preview

    Argentina is looking to rebound from a disappointing start to its World Cup after an opening-game draw with Iceland. Croatia was far from impressive in a 2-0 win over Nigeria, but it can take firm control of Group D with a win today.

    A Draw Result Favours Nigeria

    The permutation has started as the Super Eagles of Nigeria stumbled against Croatia in a disappointing start at the mundial.

    What will be the likely result from Argentina versus Croatia match that will put Nigeria in a better position ahead of their crucial match against Iceland on Friday?

    The best result that will keep Nigeria in contention is a draw between the two countries while hoping the three-time African champion will emerge victorious against their Iceland counterpart tomorrow.

    A draw would also suffice in this circumstance – meaning La Albiceleste would have two points after two games.

    Argentina, at the moment, are on a bad run of form – having not won any match in their last three at the World Cup finals. Their last victory was against Belgium at the quarterfinal stage in the 2014 edition.

    According to FIFA.com, Jorge Sampaoli is going to make changes to the starting 11, in what has been described as a must-win match.

    “Desperate for the win that will keep his side’s fate in their own hands, Sampaoli is set to ring the changes, both in terms of tactics and personnel,” reports Diego Zandrino.

    “His aim is to fashion a starting line-up that remains competitive but which can also play better football and penetrate the opposition defence down the flanks.

    “Speed of response and the ability to keep their shape will also be crucial for the Argentinians at the back, as will the need to sharpen their finishing.”

    For the Croats, a win or a draw would be good, as they will stay top of the group until Iceland play Nigeria on Friday.

  • Refusal to play Eagles: Kalinic sent packing

     

    After losing the opening match to Croatia in Kaliningrand, Nigeria will Friday take on Iceland in the second group match in what has been dubbed a make or break encounter. 

    The match many say will determine whether or not the Gernot Rohr tutored side will survive the group stage.  Iceland will be on a consolidation mission after holding Argentina to a 1-1 draw and earning a point in the process.  While Iceland and Nigeria are looking forward to that encounter and praying that their performances prove good enough to push them to the next stage, Croatian striker Nikola Kalinic has already ended his world cup campaign after refusing to come in as substitute in match against Nigeria.

    Kalinic who apparently has been having grudges with the technical crew, started on the bench for the fourth successive international matches but was asked to enter the fray by boss Zlatko Dalic in the closing stages of the Group D clash in Kaliningrad, an instruction which he flatly refused to obey. Those sympathetic with the striker however said he turned down the instruction citing a problem with his back.

    The Croatian boss was forced to turn to Marko Pjaca, to come on in place of forward Mario Mandzukic.

    Speaking in the wake of Saturday’s win, Dalic told reporters that the team had finished the game without injuries but ‘with a problem’.

    It is understood Dalic was unconvinced by the 30-year-old’s claim and has now subsequently opted to dismiss him.

    There was no sign of Kalinic as Croatia trained at their Saint Petersburg base on Sunday ahead of their second Group game against Argentina.

    Kalinic’s exit has since exposed Croatia’s lack of attacking options, with Mandzukic the only out-and-out striker available in their squad.

     

  • No need to brood about losing to Croatia – Balogun

    Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun, on Sunday said the most important concern with the Nigerian team now should be how not to brood about Saturday’s 0-2 loss to Croatia.

    Balogun told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the team’s base in Essentuki that the team must stick together and plan on how to overcome the setback.

    “There is no need to get our heads down. It is never nice to lose, especially when it is important to do so, but we can’t be brooding over that loss,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that Nigeria lost their opening Group D match at Kaliningrad and will now need to get at least four points from the remaining two games in the group.

    A win against Iceland which earlier drew 1-1 with Argentina is quite necessary on Friday, with hopes that Croatia should beat Argentina on Thursday.

    “We now have another `Group of Death’ on our hands, just like it was during the qualifiers. Now, we have two very important games ahead of us and we need to win at least one of them.

    “But, I am sure we will be up to it. We need to do a good analysis of the two opponents as well as what went wrong on Saturday and make good use of it,’’ he said.

    The defender pointed out that the team had the capability to do well in the competition as long as they looked at the positives of their performance against Croatia.

    “We didn’t play a really bad game against Croatia. Their experience was one thing they had against us, and they were composed and very good.

    “Our game didn’t look too bad and that means we can still get it right.

    “I know it is going to be tough, especially in fighting back to qualify from this group, but we must do what we need to do,’’ he said.

    Balogun has concluded plans to move from the Bundesliga to the English Premier League next season.

    NAN reports that Nigeria will take on Iceland on Friday in Volgograd, while group leaders, Croatia, face former world champions, Argentina, on Thursday in Nizhny Novgorod. (NAN)

  • World Cup: Brave Eagles Lose 2-0 to Croatia

    • Croatia 2-0 Nigeria (8pm)
    • Etebo own goal for opener (32)
    • Modric penalty makes it 2-0 (71)
    • Modric, Rakitic, Kramaric start
    • Ighalo up front; Iheanacho sub

    Live Updates (Text)

    FT: It’s all over and Croatia sit top of World Cup Group D after a comfortable 2-0 win.

    Zlatko Dalic’s side took the lead in fortunate circumstances when Mario Mandzukic’s 32nd-minute header from a Luka Modric corner was deflected into his own net by the unfortunate Oghenekaro Etebo.

    And the influential Modric secured the win from the penalty spot 19 minutes from time after William Troost-Ekong needlessly fouled Mandzukic at a corner.

    90+2: BIG MISS! Kovacic has the ball in the area and instead of squaring to Perisic for an open goal he opts to shoot and Uzoho gets down low to make the save.

    A simple pass and that’s 3-0…

    90: Nigeria just can’t carve out an opportunity. We’ll have FOUR added minutes here.

    90+2: BIG MISS! Kovacic has the ball in the area and instead of squaring to Perisic for an open goal he opts to shoot and Uzoho gets down low to make the save.

    A simple pass and that’s 3-0…

    90: Nigeria just can’t carve out an opportunity. We’ll have FOUR added minutes here.

    89: YELLOW! Brozovic commits a foul and goes into the book as Moses looks to send in a free-kick from the centre circle.

    88: SUB! The big forward Nwankwo comes on to replace Mikel in the final roll of the dice for Nigeria.

    87: Nigeria get the ball into the Croatia area, but Iheanacho and then Moses can’t get a shot on target and the danger is cleared.

    86: SUB! Mandzukic is replaced by Pjaca in the final change of the night for Croatia.

    84: Now Perisic is down on the floor following a clash with Shehu. The elbow from the Nigeria man looked nasty, but no cards are shown.

    81: GOOD DEFENDING! Iheanacho almost finds fellow sub Musa, but Strinic gets across to cut out the danger. Both players are down injured after that.

    84: Now Perisic is down on the floor following a clash with Shehu. The elbow from the Nigeria man looked nasty, but no cards are shown.

    81: GOOD DEFENDING! Iheanacho almost finds fellow sub Musa, but Strinic gets across to cut out the danger. Both players are down injured after that.

    79: For a moment it looks like Modric might bag a second, but Perisic’s cut-back is cut out by the Nigeria defence.

    78: SUB! Rebic makes way for Kovacic in Croatia’s second change of the evening.

    75: Ighalo goes off and Leicester striker Iheanacho comes on. Nigeria need some inspiration from somewhere.

    74: Another corner to Croatia and Rakitic takes. Mandzukic’s header is cleared by Balogun, however.

    72: Ekong’s team-mates will be furious with him. He had Mandzukic in a wrestling hold as the ball sailed over his head. The referee has no option. Stupid, stupid defending.

    GOAL! CROATIA 2-0 NIGERIA (Modric pen, 71)

    Modric steps up and sends the goalkeeper the wrong way. He slots it low with pace to the right of Uzoho and that is surely game over.

    Modric steps up and sends the goalkeeper the wrong way. He slots it low with pace to the right of Uzoho and that is surely game over

    70: PENALTY TO CROATIA!!! Ekong has his arms all over Mandzukic as the corner comes in. He gets booked. It’s a good spot from the referee.

    69: Perisic earns a corner off Shehu, who does well to stand up to the Inter Milan winger. Modric will take…

    Rebic really should have scored 10 minutes after half-time. His face tells you the story…

    66: Moses stumbles in the area. He hits the deck. I’ve typed those words a few times in my life. It’s never a penalty…

    64: Croatia fly forward, but Rebic and Vrsaljko get in each other’s way on the right flank and the move breaks down.

    63: Rakitic takes this one, but Mandzukic nuts it over the bar. Harmless.

    63: A dangerous Modric free-kick is headed out of play by Ekong and Croatia have a corner…

    64: Croatia fly forward, but Rebic and Vrsaljko get in each other’s way on the right flank and the move breaks down.

    63: Rakitic takes this one, but Mandzukic nuts it over the bar. Harmless.

    63: A dangerous Modric free-kick is headed out of play by Ekong and Croatia have a corner..

    62: SUB! Iwobi comes off to be replaced by Musa of Leicester City. That surprises me too. Iwobi doesn’t look happy about it as he trudges towards the Nigeria bench.

    60: SUB! This surprises me. The lively Kramaric goes off and is replaced by Brozovic for Croatia.

    59: A rare shot on target from Nigeria as Ighalo heads tamely towards goal. Subasic deals with it comfortably.

    58: Nigeria has been better in the second half – though that’s not saying much. They really should be 2-0 down after that shocker from Rebic.

    55: WHAT A MISS!!! Rebic volleys wide from inside the six-yard box after Perisic’s left-wing cross is perfectly into his path inside the six-yard box. Shocking!

    54: Here’s another one as Perisic heads out Ndidi’s throw for a corner. However, Moses’ kick sails over everyone and Iwobi’s follow-up delivery is little better.

    53: This game is being played at a very slow tempo. A lack of urgency from both sides. Nigeria seem almost totally dependent on set pieces for any sort of offensive threat.

    51: Madzukic brings down Etebo 35 yards from goal and Moses can send in yet another set piece… it’s headed away by Lovren and Iwobi can’t carve out a shooting position for himself when he collects the loose ball.the legs of Strinic and just wide.

    48: Croatia eventually clear the ball at the third attempt. They don’t look completely confident dealing with set-pieces.

    47: It’s a good ball in and Balogun looks to get a head on it a few yards out and Perisic heads out for another corner.

    46: An early corner for Nigeria as Strinic heads out. Moses to take…

    46: Croatia will go top of Group D and set down a real marker if they hold on to this lead. All to play for… The Croats kick us off.

    HT: Croatia have dominated possession and a worthy of their 1-0 half-time lead, which was gifted to them when Mandzukic’s header was deflected into his own net by the unfortunate Etebo.

    45: There will be a minimum of TWO minutes of added time.

    45: Moses’ set piece is headed back to Iwobi on the edge of the area by a Croatia defender. He strikes low and it’s fizzing towards goal, but Lovren blocks well.

    45: Moses is tripped by Rebic just on the right-edge of the area. Nigeria can swing in a free-kick late in this first-half…

    43: Croatia have had all the chances and most of the possession. It was a lucky goal, but they deserve it…

    expanded thumbnail

    42: A well-worked Croatia move ends in a wild, wild finish from full-back Vrsaljko who sends his effort high and wide from the right of the area.

    41: There’s a break in play for the two sets of supporters to trade chants as Rebic receives treatment for an injury. He looks fit to carry on.

    39: CLOSE! A trademark Modric long pass finds Rebic on the right. The ball is then fed in by Rakitic and Kramaric swivels to head with his back to goal and it sails narrowly, narrowly over the top

    37: The lively Kramaric frees Vrsaljko on the right, but he can’t get the ball under control and Nigeria deal with the danger.

    35: Some confusion in the stadium as Kramaric is declared the scorer as he was hovering near the unfortunate Etebo, but I think that will definitely go down as an own goal. Croatia deserve their lead.

    GOAL! CROATIA 1-0 NIGERIA (Etebo og, 32)

    That is cruel on Nigeria as the corner is eventually deflected into the goal by the unlucky Etebo Oghenekaro from two yards out.

    Modric’s corner, is flicked on by Rebic and Mandzukic heads towards goal and it’s going wide until it bounces off the defender and in.

    32: Kramaric’s cross is chested back by Mandzukic to Rebic on the edge of the area and his strike deflects out for a corner off Shehu.

    30: YELLOW! The first of the game as Rakitic dives in and catches Moses late on the half-way line. The Chelsea man goes down after taking a few painful studs on the ankle. Right decision.

    29: Croatia are bossing this game, but are yet to carve out a shooting opportunity inside the area. Mandzukic is not exactly playing as a focal point, often dropping deep to lay balls off to his team-mates.

    27: Uzoho mis-kicks the ball out for a Croatia throw-in, just 20 yards from goal. Perisic swings a cross in, but Rebic is penalised as he jumps with Shehu.

    25: Modric is once again in the centre circle and swinging that majestic right boot. This time Perisic is the recipient, but can do little with it.

    23: Nigeria are temporarily a man down as Balogun goes off to have some blood wiped from his face. He claims Vida deliberately swung an arm, but the ref is having none of it…

    22: Ighalo runs at Vida, but his shot from a tight angle deflects out for a corner off Lovren. The set piece falls to Iwobi on the edge of the area and Lovren does well to head away as the ball ricochets back into the box.

    20: A right-footed floater from Modric is aimed towards Perisic at the far post, but Uzohu comes off his line to make a solid catch.

    19: Kramaric is tripped by Balogun 35 yards from goal. Modric will stand over this…
    Nigeria are looking so much more composed than their rabbit in the headlights first half performance against England at Wembley.

    The game is reminding me a bit of their friendly against Poland in March. Nigeria frustrated the Poles, looking really solid and decent in possession. They won one-nil. It will take something special to recreate that against Croatia. But so far so good for Gernot Rohr’s team.

    16: SHOT! Kramaric takes a touch and shoots from fully 30 yards. It’s always curling wide, but Uzoho was worried for a brief moment as it sails past his right-hand post.

    14: CHANCE! The best move of the game sees Croatia nearly go ahead. Rebic cuts in from the left and finds Mandzukic, who lays off the ball for Perisic on the edge of the area. He strikes narrowly over the bar with Uzoho beaten. Sizzling stuff.

    13: Iwobi’s long-range effort fails to beat the first man. Nigeria aren’t afraid to chance their arm from distance it seems.

    11: Modric is playing everywhere! He’s now in the right-back position, where he is dispossessed by Mikel – but the eventual cross is easily held by Subasic

    9: Modric takes the corner himself short to Rebic but his follow-up cross is headed away by Ighalo.

    8: Modric sends another long raking pass forward and Shehu is forced to chest it behind for the first corner of the game…

    6: Mandzukic fouls Etebo, but Moses’ free-kick is dealt with and Croatia can attack. The move eventually breaks down when Rebic brings down Moses inside the Nigeria area and the African side earn a free-kick.

    4: Modric is sitting deep and is seeing plenty of the ball early on, spraying passes and looking to get his team-mates moving forwards as often as he can.
    3: Rakitic attempts to thread a ball through to Kramaric, but is flagged offside. Young Nigeria goalkeeper Uzoho – in a truly wild goalkeeper kit – gets a useful early touch.
    2: Moses swings in an early free-kick for Nigeria, but Modric is back to head clear and Croatia can break.

    1: KICK-OFF: The fourth game of the day – and the eighth of this tournament so far – is up and running. Nigeria kick off in their dark green kit. Croatia in their classic white and red checks.

    ANTHEMS SUNG

    All 22 players sing their anthem with their hands on their hearts. Stirring stuff. Kick-off is just three minutes away now.

    Eagles Starting X1 against Croatia

    Eagles
    Croatia kick off their World Cup campaign against Nigeria at 8pm
    Croatia: Subasic; Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Strinic; Perisic, Modric, Rakitic, Rebic; Kramaric, Mandzukic
    Substitutes: Livakovic; Corluka, Kovacic, Brozovic, L Kalinic, Jedvaj, Bradaric, Caleta-Car, N Kalinic, Badelj, Pjaca, Pivaric 
    Nigeria: Uzoho; Shehu, Troost-Ekong, Balogun; Idowu, Ndidi, Etebo, Moses, Mikel; Iwobi, Ighalo 
    Substitutes: Ezenwa; Echiejile, Musa, Simy, Iheanacho, Obi, Akpeyi, Onazi, Ogu, Awaziem, Ebuehi, Omeruo 

  • Eagles, Blazers in battle of Kaliningrad

    After all the razzmatazz associated with Super Eagles jersey and the Swag that followed their camping in Austria, take off and eventual landing in Russia, it is time to get down to business on the pitch.

    And so today at the Kaliningrad Stadium the Gernot Rohr tutored side will file out against their Croatian counterpart in what many have dubbed a must win encounter if the beautifully kitted Eagles are to prove that all that glitters is indeed gold.

    Of the five African countries in quest of glory in Russia, Nigeria is considered to be in a vintage position to rise to the occasion parading a team of young players who have proved in the course of the qualifiers that they can deliver. Although their performance in the friendly matches leading to the world cup were below par, some say the team would be fired up at the competition proper.

    Coach Gernor Rohr who does not appear perturbed by the poor run of his boys in the friendly ties especially against England and Czech Republic, believes the boys will find their rhythm and will go all out against equally determined Croatia others called the Blazers.

    Already the players have been speaking about their determination to give their best all the way.

    Odion Ighalo one the players the German tactician expects to rise to the occasion said the team knows what is at stake and will not disappoint.  The Eagles have a date with Iceland and Argentina respectively in Group D but analysts believe doing well in the first match will determine to a great extent how far the team can go. Nobody expects Croatia will be a tea party which means the tie will be a hard nut to crack.

    Eagles must resist the temptation to delay coming to party as the Croatians have got pace and will not wait for any opponent that might want to boot before rising to the occasion.

    Rohr having the full complement of his team must hand hungry players the starting shirt because of the need to earn points in this first match.  The speed of Ahmed Musa will be needed to checkmate equally pacy players that will be on parade for Croatia including Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic among others.

    Luckily for the Eagles Wilfred Ndidi is back and good to go.  With the midfield comfortable being marshaled by Captain John Obi Mikel and enjoying the compliments of Ndidi the strikers must resist the temptation to gloss over begging chances while the back four now popularly called “oyibo wall” must be vigilant for the entire duration of the game.

    A victory in this first match will not only serve as a ginger but will prove those who believe that the Eagles have gone to Russia to model impressive jersey.

    The fashionable Eagles have landed, now let the Eagles fly!

  • Eagles can surprise Croatia, Argentina — Ekong

    William Ekong has said he believes the Super Eagles can upset World Cup Group D favourites Argentina and Croatia to reach the knockout rounds of the tournament.

    “We’re in one of the toughest groups and Argentina and Croatia by the names they have and on paper will be the favourites,” said the Turkey-based defender.

    “But I believe we have a good chance even if not on paper.

    “Maybe some of these teams will underestimate us, which may work in our favour as we could surprise them. We have already done this before.”

    He said playing at the World Cup is a lifetime chance and the Eagles hope to make the most of it.

    “To play at the World Cup is a lifetime opportunity if you are lucky; you get to do it again. So, we will give it our best and enjoy it as much as we can,” he stated.

    Nigeria opens their World Cup campaign today against Croatia by 9 pm local time in Kaliningrad, which is 8 pm in Nigeria.

  • Croatia will beat Nigeria, says Merson

    Former England international Paul Merson believes Nigeria cannot withstand Croatia when both sides battle in the first group match of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup.

    Merson in his World Cup predictions on Sky Sports described Nigeria as an inconsistent side that cannot match the quality of the Croatians.

    “I think Croatia will beat Nigeria. I watched Nigeria in the first half against England recently, and they were terrible. But they have already beaten Argentina last year and this is the problem – you get sides which are so inconsistent that you do not really know which one is going to turn up. Meanwhile, I do like Croatia, they are a good football team,” he said.

    The former Arsenal star, however, predicted a 2-0 victory for the Europeans against the three-time African champions.

    For the tie between Argentina and Iceland, Merson said: “I have gone for Argentina to beat Iceland. We all remember Iceland from when they beat us (England) at the last Euros, but they are not that good a team and the next game they got destroyed by France. Meanwhile, Argentina will be good going forward, although I do worry about them at the back, I expect them to win this one.”