Croatia vs Nigeria Betting Tip (16.06.2018)

    Croatia vs Nigeria Betting Tip

     

    2018 FIFA World Cup | Saturday, 16th June 2018 | 10:00 pm (local time) | Kaliningrad
    KroatienVNigeria
    Win Lost Draw Win WinPerformanceLost Win Lost Win Win

     

    Home
    17/20 at 

     

    Draw
    12/5 at 

     

    Away
    10/3 at 

     

    Croatia vs Nigeria | Prediction, Betting Tips & Odds

    Group D is said to be the “death group” at this World Cup. Every point is essential here, which is why Croatia and Nigeria are going to put up one hell of a fight in Kaliningrad. These two teams are the main rivals for the second place and the advance to the next stage. Having in mind these circumstances and that this is the opening game for both selections, do not expect many goals, but instead one epic battle.  So, fasten your seatbelts, we are taking off.

    Match Preview

    Whoever wins this clash will have an edge in the race for the second place. That is the fact. Croatia is coming here with a huge desire to reach the knockout-stage and redeem themselves for underserved elimination in the quarterfinals of EURO 2016. Back then they had Portugal in their hands and allowed them to slip away.  Nigeria wants to enter Round of 16 at least and repeat the result from Brazil four years ago. They have high aspirations, especially after defeating Argentina in the friendly match during the last November.

    Croatia

    One of the best generations in the history of Balkan football still didn’t get what deserves. Croatians just do not have any luck when it comes to that final push. Guys like Modric, Rakitic, Mandzukic, Kovacic are not exploiting their full potential in the national jersey. Since 1998 and France when they won the third place, the Blazers haven’t reached the second phase, and that is something devastating for this country and the fans. Right now they have an excellent squad with a fantastic midfield, but with some issues in the back line. The main advantage is the fact that they can adjust to almost any opponent. After finishing second in Group I of the European zone of the qualifiers, they eliminated Greece in the playoffs.

    Nigeria

    The Super Eagles had probably the toughest group in CAF qualifications for the WC. And yet they easily finished first with a substantial advantage over Zambia, Cameroon, and Algeria. They have excellent offensive line led by Musa, Moses, Ighalo, Iwobi, Iheanacho etc. The central piece in this puzzle is, of course, Joh Obi Mikel, who has been orchestrating the midfield of this team for a long time. But what is problematic for them is the back line, and that was especially obvious against Serbia, in a match which they lost 0-2. However, we could see a full display of their offensive arsenal in a win over Argentina, 4-2, and with these two results, we can establish that Super Eagles tend to oscillate too much.

    Croatia vs Nigeria Head to Head

    There haven’t been any recorded matches between these countries.

    Odds and Predictions

    Almost all of the bookmakers see Croatia as the favorite in this clash. It is mostly because they have more players playing for top European clubs. Odds on their victory are 4/5. On the other hand, Nigeria to collect three points is valued 15/4, and a draw 12/5.

    Croatia vs Nigeria Top Betting Tip: 1-0 for Croatia

    We are giving more chances to the Croatians. After all, Modric and Rakitic are their leading players and they had superb seasons in their clubs. Nigeria isn’t getting along well against the European nations at the World Cup and since 1998, they had only one win, against a team from that area. That was in Brazil 2014, versus Bosnia and Herzegovina. Also, from what we saw against Serbia, who has a similar style of play like their rival in this meeting, we have to say that staying unbeaten here is going to be a tough task here. Final prediction, close call for the Croatians, and a minimal win, 1-0.

     

    Top Betting Tip: 1-0 for Croatia
    17/20 (Bet9ja)