Big Match Breakdown: Argentina v Iceland

Odds and tips ahead of Group D opener

Can Lionel Messi fire Argentina all the way to World Cup glory? Or will their unbalanced squad fall short, even with the Barcelona star? It’s going to be one of the most fascinating storylines in Russia.

La Albiceleste’s first match is against Iceland, who will be competing at the World Cup for the very first time. They’re the smallest nation to ever qualify, but their performances at Euro 2016 show they shouldn’t be underestimated.

The Coral News Team have all you need to know before the big game…

Form

Argentina beat Italy 2-0 back in March, but that was swiftly followed by a humbling 6-1 defeat to Spain.

Their only game since then was a 4-0 win over Haiti, so Jorge Sampaoli’s side may not be at their sharpest here.

Iceland haven’t fared much better. Since securing qualification, they’ve only won two of eight games. Both wins came against Indonesia. They’ve failed to beat the likes of Qatar, Norway and Peru.

Likely XIs

Sergio Romero’s injury means Willy Cabellero is set to start in goal for Argentina. The 36-year-old only made his international debut last year.

Manuel Lanzini’s absence also opens up a spot on the right flank. Sampaoli looks likely to go for Maximiliano Meza over Cristian Pavon, with Messi behind Gonzalo Higuain in attack.

Iceland’s side will look very similar to the Xi they used in the Euros.  They’ll be very relieved Gylfi Sigurdsson is fit to start, although he hasn’t played a competitive game since March.