Just two games into the 2018 World Cup, Lionel Messi and Argentina are facing elimination, they were last knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage in 1962.
The Albiceleste failed to win for the second consecutive match in Russia, falling 3-0 to Croatia Thursday in Nizhny Novgorod on a self-inflicted wound by backup goalkeeper Willy Caballero, a brilliant long-range goal by Luca Modric and a tap-in by Ivan Rakitic in stoppage time.
Croatia advanced to the knockout stage with the victory. But Argentina’s loss means it must win its final Group D game versus Nigeria, plus get some help with other results, to avoid an embarrassing first-round exit.
Here is the breakdown
Iceland take on Nigeria on Friday afternoon in a game which could effectively knock Argentina out of the World Cup at the group stage.
- A win would put Iceland on four points – the maximum Argentina could get from the group.
- In the World Cup group stage teams’ tiebreakers are decided on goal difference not head-to-head like the Euros.
- Effectively, Iceland could win their next game vs Nigeria and then draw against Croatia in their last game to finish on five points and put Argentina out. Or alternatively, Iceland could draw with Nigeria and defeat Croatia to leave it out of Argentina’s hands.
- This means that a win may not be enough in Argentina’s final game against Nigeria, depending on the outcome of Iceland vs Nigeria on Friday.
Share Your Comments