The 2018 FIFA World Cup Group C draws the attention of soccer fans worldwide as one of the most intriguing groups without a clear underdog in the competition, as all four teams are capable of finishing in the top two to reach the second round. Consequently, the first round game between Croatia and Nigeria set for Saturday, June 16th, 2018, at Kaliningrad Stadium in Kaliningrad will be a huge derby, although bookmakers set the odds on Croatia at -140 to beat Nigeria, while Super Eagles are +115 underdogs to avoid the loss. Hereof, let’s take a closer look at both sides to see what should the bettors expect from this clash.
Croatia vs. Nigeria
3-Way: 1: Croatia -140; X: +250 Draw; 2: Nigeria +400 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -0.5: Croatia -140; Nigeria +115
Total +2: Over -140; Under +120
Both Teams to Score Yes/No: +110/-150
CROATIA
The Blazers have beaten Greece 4-1 on aggregate in the playoff to reach the 2018 World Cup after finishing at the second spot of their qualifying group behind Iceland, but they are still -200 favorites to qualify for the Round of 16 from Group D. They’ve played some tough friendly matches ahead of the tournament, recording a 1-0 victory over Mexico and a couple of losses against Peru and Brazil with an identical 2-0 result. The Blazers were helpless on the pitch against Brazil, but inefficiency in all these matches has concerned soccer fans in Croatia.
Croatia possesses some brilliant players in the midfield, as Real Madrid’s Luka Modric and Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic are both exceptional technicians with great vision and creativity. The attacking midfielder Mateo Kovacic is another key player who can make the difference on the pitch, while the winger Ivan Perisic will provide support for the experienced striker Mario Mandzukic who will lead the frontline. The defensive line could be their weakest link and Dejan Lovren will a key factor at the back along with the skillful wing-back Sime Vrsaljko. Croatia prefers a short-passing style of play, mostly using a 4-5-1 formation, but when it’s needed, the Blazers can switch to an attacking 4-4-2.
NIGERIA
Super Eagles were superior in their qualifying group, recording four wins and two stalemates with a goal difference of 12:4, finishing way ahead of Cameroon and Algeria. On the other hand, they are winless in three straight friendly games, earning a 1-1 draw against DR Congo and losing to Serbia 2-0 and England 2-1. Super Eagles have shown some defensive weaknesses, particularly against Serbia, and it seems like the manager Gernot Rohr has plenty of jobs to do before the first kick-off. Likewise, his offensive line wasn’t playing well, although it is considered as the strongest part of this Nigeria team.
The strikers Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo, and Kelechi Iheanacho are all good players with great speed and solid technique, but it is still vaguely who will get the place in the starting eleven. The 22-year old forward Alex Iwobi will certainly take his spot at the front, as he’s arguably the most important offensive player along with Victor Moses who should start on the right flank. Nigeria prefers an attacking approach, mostly playing in a 4-3-3 formation, whilst at the middle of the park, the captain John Obi Mikel will orchestrate his teammates.
Croatia vs. Nigeria – Match and Odds Breakdown
On a paper, Croatia is a stronger team than Super Eagles, and the Blazers should dominate in the midfield due to their skills and exceptional technique, while Nigeria will probably focus on a defensive work and try to get some scoring opportunities through quick counter-attacks. Similar to Nigeria, Croatia’s defensive line also looks fragile, so the Blazers could easily suffer from Super Eagles’ quickness, and it will be interesting to see how they plan to cope with Nigeria’s frontline.
Hereof, my first pick in this game is both teams to find the net at +110, despite the fact it is the opening game for both sides which could lead to a cautious approach, especially in the first half of the match. A potential loss here could mean a ticket to the homeland, while an eventual winner will be so close to the second round of the 2018 World Cup. The bettors favor Croatia, but for the greater wages, the bettors who fancy the Blazers can try with betting on the spread, as the odds on Croatia to win with at least two-goal margin are set at +220. On the other side, a draw could get you +250 wages.
I believe we’ll see a couple of goals here, so even betting on the totals at -140 sounds more clinging than betting on Croatia, but the bettors should check out all lines and markets on BetDSI Sportsbook, as they will cover all 2018 FIFA World Cup encounters.
The Pick: Both Teams to Score YES (+110)
