Nigeria and Iceland will do battle in a crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup clash that could ultimately decide which nation advances through Group D.
Nigeria and Iceland will do battle in a crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup clash that could ultimately decide which nation advances through Group D.
Nigeria and Iceland will do battle in a crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup clash that could ultimately decide which nation advances through Group D.
Bovada has this game as pretty even in terms of the odds with Iceland the slight favorite at +165 and Nigeria at +190 with a draw sitting at +205.Can Iceland keep up their run? Not only is Iceland in the World Cup for the first time, but they are also the least populous nation ever to make the big stage. In their first match, they played to a 1-1 draw facing the last World Cup runner up Argentina and they are looking good in Group D.
While Iceland is in a good spot already grabbing a point with a draw in their last match Nigeria may be in a must win in this situation with a loss in their first match and still having to face Messi and Argentina.
This is the first ever match between these teams.
Iceland played a great defensive match against Argentina in the 1-1 draw when they were dominated in time of possession 78% to 22%. However, they will be facing a Nigerian squad that struggled in their first match in a 2-0 loss to Croatia. They had no shots on target in the first half and while they did give up two goals one was on an own goal and the other was on a penalty taking a Croatian player down in the box on a corner.
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Veteran Victor Moses played a solid match for the Super Eagles in the Croatian loss, as his work down the side and the pace gave his team some chances. The other players up front did not do much and the midfield did play well, but were outmatched in that side of the pitch.
While Nigeria is not Argentina they may have to take their attacking style, as a win and three points is vital for them. However, that may play right into Iceland’s hand, who have a rock-solid defense backfield, which was evident in the draw against Argentina.
Alfred Finnbogason scored the goals for Iceland in their last match and his squad did not have many chances. He and Everton’s Gylfi Sigurdsson will pace the offense up front and they will face a Nigerian defense that has given up five goals in losing their last three matches. On top of that they have only scored a grand total of three goals in their last five matches where they have four losses and a draw.
They may have more in this match and their counter attack may be dangerous. Still, do not look for Iceland to press the envelope on the attack.
Besides Moses Nigeria really lacked creativity in the opener, but manager Gernot Rohr is not likely to make any changes to his starting lineup.
Iceland is winless in their last five matches, like Nigeria, but that trend will end in this match.
They will thwart the attack of the Super Eagles with their great defense and while they might get a lot of scoring chances, they will come through and beat Nigeria 1-0.
Best Bet | Odds | Bet Now |
Iceland to win | +160 at WilliamHill | Place Bet |
Iceland to win 1-0 | +550 at WilliamHill | Place Bet |
Nigeria:
28/05/18 – Nigeria 1 – Congo DR 1 (Friendly)
02/06/18 – England 2 – Nigeria 1 (Friendly)
06/06/18 – Nigeria 0 – Czech Republic 1 (Friendly)
16/06/18 – Croatia 2 – Nigeria 0 (World Cup)
Iceland:
28/03/18 – Iceland 1 – Peru 3 (Friendly)
02/06/18 – Iceland 2 – Norway 3 (Friendly)
07/06/18 – Iceland 2 – Ghana 2 (Friendly)
16/06/18 – Argentina 1 – Iceland 1 (World Cup)