World Cup 2018

[El Gato]

History of this WC is writing itself beautifully. Portugal vs Argentina final. It's clear. The final chapter.

 

[Joan]

So, this group in mathematics.

Croatia = Nigeria + Iceland + Argentina
Nigeria = Iceland + Argentina
Iceland = Argentina =

Best group at the World Cup btw.

Iceland = Argentina =
Nigeria = 2
Croatia = 4

?

Weird.

 

[D10S91]

If they can't beat Nigeria in the last game, Argentina doesn't deserve better.. It's now in their hands.

 

[Morten]

Argentina should be out already, but they still got it in their hands, somehow.

 

[serghei]

Argentina should be out already, but they still got it in their hands, somehow.

Croatia cruising is the reason. Every other team fighting for leftovers.

 

[Neeraj]

Unbelievable. After the garbage Argentina have put out, they'll still have a fair chance at qualification.

This result helps them in more ways than one because Croatia now have something to play for, which is suddenly key. If this game was a draw, Croatia are guaranteed toppers, but now, they have to avoid defeat against Iceland to secure top spot. If they don't, a Nigeria win gives them top spot (and even a Croatia draw could, depending on goal difference). Considering this, you'd expect Croatia to show up and get the result.

So it will come down to a knock out. I don't fancy that. Argentina pissing themselves against Croatia in the second game. Imagine the pressure on Messi in a knockout game.

I don't see Argentina managing a win. In fact, I'd say Nigeria are favorites for that tie, and will probably tear Argentina a new one. This is the worst possible way for Messi to go out; have another shot against Nigeria and get schooled again. That will be painful.

 

[xxxxxx]

If they can't beat Nigeria in the last game, Argentina doesn't deserve better.. It's now in their hands.

How exactly is it in their hands?

 

[Barcaman]

Croatia is now safe 1st. 2nd string lineup against Iceland next week. Will be interesting until the end as all 3 teams can still qualify.

 

[serghei]

Unbelievable. After the garbage Argentina have put out, they'll still have a fair chance at qualification.

This result helps them in more ways than one because Croatia now have something to play for, which is suddenly key. If this game was a draw, Croatia are guaranteed toppers, but now, they have to avoid defeat against Iceland to secure top spot. If they don't, a Nigeria win gives them top spot (and even a Croatia draw could, depending on goal difference). Considering this, you'd expect Croatia to show up and get the result.

So it will come down to a knock out. I don't fancy that. Argentina pissing themselves against Croatia in the second game. Imagine the pressure on Messi in a knockout game.

I don't see Argentina managing a win. In fact, I'd say Nigeria are favorites for that tie, and will probably tear Argentina a new one. This is the worst possible way for Messi to go out; have another shot against Nigeria and get schooled again. That will be painful.

Croatia are 99% group winners at this score.

 

[raedkuwait]

Do they count head to head matches to break the tie, or only goal difference

 

[Morten]

Dont fancy Iceland to win against Croatia, even if Croatia has pretty much won the group already.
Iceland looks fatigued, really.

 

[serghei]

Do they count head to head matches to break the tie, or only goal difference

Goal difference.

 

[FCBfan22]

Croatia almost surely group winners. Deservedly.

I hope both Croatia and Serbia win their groups.

 

[Neeraj]

Croatia are 99% group winners at this score.

Not necessarily. If Nigeria beat Argentina, and Croatia don't beat Iceland, Nigeria would most likely top.

 

[D10S91]

How exactly is it in their hands?

Even if Iceland wins against Croatia, Argentina can go through by goal difference.. If Iceland wins by 1, Argentina needs to win by 2 or more goals.. Now Croatia has to worry a bit about losing the top spot too, so they can't take it too easy and will have something to play for, so it won't be easy for Iceland to win this now, especially by more than 1 goal..