Toll Free: 1-888-759-2665Backup: 1-888-740-1958 

Match Preview: Argentina vs Croatia, Group D, June 21

Argentina's first big hurdle towards at 2018 World Cup run comes Thursday, June 21at 2pm Eastern in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia when they face Croatia, who according to the most up to date odds, is favored to earn the second place spot in group D. For more information on World Cup betting, check out our World Cup betting odds. These countries have played each other on four different occasions dating back to 1994, with Argentina holding a 2-1-1 record. Argentina won the last contest, an international friendly in 2014, by a score of 2-1. Six of the Argentine players from that win are expected to be on the roster for this match.

Argentina

Argentina comes into this game after being stunned in a 1-1 tie with Iceland in which they controlled the ball for 78% of the match and outshot Iceland 27-8. Captain Lionel Messi had a chance to give Argentina the lead when he was awarded a penalty kick, but Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson made a spectacular diving save to keep the tie. That game was only the latest chapter in the frustrations that Messi and company have faced, as they finished runners up at the World Cup in 2014, only to lose again at two consecutive Copa America Finals versus neighboring Chile. They have been through four different managers in that time, with Jorge Sampaoli having taken over in May of last year.

This game versus Croatia is nothing less than a must-win if Argentina is to stand a chance at success in this tournament. To add to the drama, Messi has indicated that he will retire from international soccer if things do not go well in Russia 2018. For a generational talent from a soccer-mad country, this is an extremely bold statement and it only adds to the immense pressure that Argentines put on this team.

Croatia

Croatia is playing perhaps its last World Cup with giants Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric, teamed with second-all time leading goal scorer Mario Manduzic at forward. Since late in qualifying, the team has been on an upswing with Zlatko Dalic as their most recent manager. Prior to winning their first game of the World Cup against Nigeria, they had won against Ukraine following his appointment and then went on to win their two-leg playoff against Greece to lock up their qualification. This comes after years of disappointment for this talented team. If things continue to go in their favor, they could make the deepest run of Croatia's history at the World Cup.

Match Overview

While Croatia may not have the offensive star power of Argentina, they do have more momentum on their side after the win against Nigeria. If they can contain the firepower of Argentina as well as Iceland did, this could be a close contest. If Messi and the rest of Argentina's elite offence are allowed to run wild, this game could get out of hand very quickly for Croatia. Defense is Croatia's weakest link on the field, as Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida and Sime Vrsaljko are all vulnerable to a powerful offence like Argentina's. On the other hand, Argentina's defense looked extremely shaky against an Iceland team that has very little in the way of offensive firepower, so a determined and inspired Croatia should have no problem if they are allowed the chance to fire away at Argentine goaltender Willy Caballero.

$10,000 in Prizes + 100% Cash Bonus

Group Phase