World Cup 2018: Iceland vs. Nigeria - All you need to know
Nigeria will be looking to get a win in their second Group D game against Iceland today but Super Eagles will know that they will have a tough test against debutants Iceland who showed plenty of fighting spirit in their 1-1 draw with Argentina.
Nigeria looked poor defensively in their 2-0 defeat to Croatia. Gernot Rohr will be hoping that his youthful squad has learnt from their opener, and taken those lessons into the game against Iceland a side who are similarly defensively robust.
Key Player: Alex Iwobi will be hoping to start again on the wing, and his trickery will be a needed if Nigeria is to break down the Iceland defence. The Arsenal man relishes representing his country and would certainly become a national hero overnight if he can influence the tie in favour of the Super Eagles.
Nigeria Predicted Team
Uzoho, Idowu, Ekong, Balogun, Shehu, Ndidi, Etebo, Obi Mikel, Ighalo, Moses, Iwobi
As Iceland, they showed their defensive qualities in the 1-1 draw with Argentina, successfully silencing Leo Messi. The tiny European nation did ride their luck, however, with Messi missing a second-half penalty. However, after such a disciplined performance they will fancy getting a positive result against their West African opponents.
The game against Nigeria should bring out a more attacking side from Iceland. Expect Heimir HallgrÃmsson to gamble tactically if the game is a stalemate.
The more attacking outlook could see space open up for Everton playmaker Gylfi Sigurðsson. The six-time Iceland player of the year played a key role in the draw with Argentina and will be a threat from set-pieces from his side.
Iceland Predicted Team
Halldorsson; Saevarsson, Arnason, R Sigurdsson, Magnusson, Gudmundsson, Gunnarsson, Hallfredsson, Bjarnason, G Sigurdsson, Finnbogason
Kick-off- 18:00
Stadium- Volgograd Arena, Volgograd
Our prediction: Iceland 1 vs 2 Nigeria
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