Big Match Breakdown: Group D: Argentina v Croatia

Odds and preview ahead of World Cup tie  

There’s a crucial match-up in Group D tonight as Argentina take on Croatia in Nizhny Novgorod.

Both sides will be eyeing up a last-16 berth in Russia, although it’s Luka Modric and co. who are better placed in the group after the first match.

The Croatians kicked things off with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Nigeria on Saturday, while Argentina spluttered to a disappointing 1-1 draw with debutants Iceland.

It’s all set up for an intriguing encounter this evening. And it’s one the Coral News Team have previewed with a Big Match Breakdown…

Head-to-Head

Despite both nations being regulars at the World Cup, Croatia and Argentina have only ever met once at the finals.

That encounter came way back in 1998, when Mauricio Pineda’s goal was enough for La Albiceleste to claim a 1-0 victory in Group H in France.

Tonight’s fixture will be the fifth time the two countries have met in all competitions, with Jorge Sampaoli’s side currently leading 2-1 in the head-to-head battle.

The pair also shared a 0-0 draw on their first encounter in June 1994.

Likely XIs

Sampaoli is set to ring the changes following Saturday’s draw with Iceland. Marcos Rojo will make way for Gabriel Mercado, with Eduardo Salvio coming in from wing-back to form part of a back-three. Angel Di Maria, Maximiliano Meza and Lucas Biglia could also miss out, with Marcos Acuna, Enzo Perez and Cristian Pavon reportedly set to come in.