itsbeautifuloutside

As the schedulers/powers-that-be in FIFA have decided to double up the third matches in the group games, I’m trying to follow two matches at the same time - one on the TV and the other on the laptop - but, as I’m crap at multitasking, this may not go well. Anyway, I decided to watch this game on TV and try and follow Iceland v Croatia on the laptop. Not ideal, but there you are.

Today sees the final group matches in Group D, with Iceland v Croatia and Nigeria v Argentina, both at 1900 (NOT helpful, I'll watch one and keep tabs on the other). While Croatia are already through to the last 16, things aren't so clear cut for the other qualifying place, with Iceland, Nigeria and Argentina all in with a chance.

Nigeria v Iceland
22nd June 2018, 1600
Volgograd

Result:
Nigeria 2 (Musa, 49’, 75’)
Iceland 0

Nigeria were in the dazzling radioactive-green chevrons today, making them look like animated highlighter markers. I can’t say I’m a fan of that kit, it’s way too loud for my taste, the dark green alternative looks much nicer.

Iceland should fancy their chances after holding Argentina to a draw in the first round of games. Argentina were hammered by Croatia in the previous evening’s Group D game and are therefore facing elimination should Iceland win this game and get at least a point from the next.

Fascinating (or not) factoids - Iceland’s no. 19 Rurik Gíslason is a model in his spare time, while no. 6 Ragnar Sigurðsson hates warm weather and much prefers Icelandic winters (apparently even summer in Iceland is too hot for him). Nigeria’s goalkeeper Francis Uzoho is only 19 years old and was a striker until he was 12, before switching to the goalkeeper position.

Group D, Game 2: Croatia v Nigeria
Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad
Sat 16th June at 2000 BST

Result:
Croatia 2 (Etebo 32’ o.g., Modrić 70’ pen)
Nigeria 0

Game 2 preview: Croatia v Nigeria
Kaliningrad Stadium
Sat 16th June at 2000 BST

Both teams will be hopeful of progressing and the two sides have not met in any competition before. Croatia have not kept a clean sheet in 9 games out of their last 11 while Nigeria have only one won game in their last 12 World Cup matches.