Iceland needs a victory, and hope that Nigeria can stifle Argentina in order to make the round of sixteen in their first ever World Cup appearance, and will be taking on a Croatia side who have booked their place in the knockout phases.
After impressing in their opening encounter against Argentina, and gaining a credible 1-1 draw, the tiny European nation changed formation to a 4-4-2 for their second game against Nigeria which ultimately backfired. Now Iceland’s only hope of progressing is to beat Croatia and score plenty of goals in the process and maintain their better goal difference of Argentina.
In team news, Ragnar Sigurdsson is an injury doubt after being forced off the pitch against Nigeria while Johann Berg Gudmundsson is suffering from a torn muscle.
Despite missing a penalty against Nigeria, Everton playmaker Gylfi Sigurðsson is still the main goal threat for the side. He’ll be eager to avenge his penalty miss against the African side and fire Iceland into the round of sixteen.
Midfielder Rúrik Gíslason also impressed in the defeat to Nigeria, the SV Sandhausen forward has gained plenty of fans not only for his attacking play. Gíslason has gained a cult following from female fans of the beautiful game and his Instagram account recently hit 1million followers. Iceland fans will be hoping that all the attention won’t have gone to the 30-years old head and that he can focus on the Croatians.
Iceland Predicted Team
Haldorsson; Magnusson, Sigurdsson, Arnason, Saevarsson, Giaslason; Bjarnason, Sigurdsson, Gunnarsson; Finnbogason, Bodvarsson.
