Respectively knocked out in the group stage and Round of 16 four years ago, Croatia and Nigeria open their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ campaigns against one another in Kaliningrad on 16 June. The first meeting between the countries promises to be a cracker. Considering the calibre of the four teams involved, fortune is likely to favour the brave in Group D. Moreover, Croatia and Nigeria are equally accustomed to playing on the front foot, so both are sure to take the initiative with a view to kick-starting their campaign. As a result, entertainment looks guaranteed.
The match will be a pressurised one as they both have been taken as the underdogs of the group. Both teams have a lot to prove, especially when the platform is World cup. In case of Croatia There remains some uncertainty among fans and journalists regarding how the team will line up, leading to a frenzy of speculation. The main question marks hang over the left-back spot, although Ivan Strinic is being tipped to get the nod and the role that will be handed to the versatile forward Andrej Kramaric.
The players to watch out for the Croatian international team is Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona), Mateo Kovacic (Real Madrid), Milan Badelj (Fiorentina), Marcelo Brozovic (Inter Milan), Filip Bradaric (Rijeka). As the whole midfield line-up will be the most powerful one in the match. In the forward, there are names like Mario Mandzukic (Juventus), Ivan Perisic (Inter Milan), Nikola Kalinic (AC Milan), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim)
The Nigerian squad has been officially declared as the most stylish squad of this year World cup. They have been turning heads with their great outfits. But can they take on a strong squad like Croatia? That is to be seen tomorrow. Nigeria was the first team from Africa to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and continue their impressive record of World Cup appearances. Their FIFA ranking is 48. Ahmed Musa in the Nigerian squad has been playing really well previously, also Joel Obi in the midfield has been in top form.
Despite all the facts, the match will be an aggressive one as both the team has quite a number of good sprinters, especially Nigeria, but in case of tactics and strategies Croatia has more chances of winning the match. Now the fate will be decided tomorrow.
