Argentina’s Group D encounter with Croatia assumes must-win status Jorge Sampaoli’s troops, after an underwhelming 1-1 draw against Iceland.

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The reigning FIFA World Cup runner-up’s over-reliance on Lionel Messi was thoroughly exposed as they failed to break down Iceland’s defence.

The onus today thus lies on them to take the attack to their opponents.

Croatia, meanwhile, sit pretty at the top of Group D after the first round of games.

They were solid in defence and converted the limited chances they got to comfortably beat Nigeria 2-0 and will seek to continue in same reign.

Midfield Battle

Mascherano made 141 passes in the previous game, but his pairing with Biglia failed to provide thrust and directness upfront.

Chances created were few and far between, as Argentina showcased familiar failings.

In midfield, they lacked a playmaker, who can carry the ball and feed Messi in scoring positions.

Perhaps, the selection of the eccentric Sevilla midfielder, Ever Banega, could provide Argentina with their missing ingredient.

The wingers Di Maria and Meza didn’t trouble the Icelandic fullbacks, with Meza especially unable to beat his marker.

Sampaoli, thus could opt to start Paulo Dybala to solve Argentina's issues in the final third.

Zlatko Dalic's decision to pick Modric and Rakitic at the base of midfield in the 4-2-3-1 formation worked to perfection in Croatia’s controlled display against Nigeria.

The midfield duo ticked possession over and maintained the tempo of the game.

The likes of Perisic, Kramaric and Rebic looked a bit off pace though, and would need to be at their best against a motivated Argentina.

Players To Watch

Argentina

Ever Banega: Banega brought purpose and drive to Argentina’s midfield after replacing Lucas Biglia in the second half. He made a couple of dangerous runs in the dying minutes of the game, and also forced Halldorsson into a close range shot in the near post.

He could help reduce the burden on creativity and free Messi to operate higher up the pitch. In a must win game, the more adventurous Banega could be key.

Ante Rebic: The 2017-18 season was the breakout year for the talented Rebic as he scored nine goals and starred in Eintracht Frankfurt’s unexpected DFB Pokal triumph.

Rebic, a stocky and pacey attacking midfielder, is extremely versatile and can play anywhere across the front line. His pace and work rate on the right wing will test the inexperienced Tagliafico as Croatia look for another positive result.

Predicted Lineups

Argentina : 1-4-2-3-1

Caballero- Salvio, Otamendi, Rojo, Tagliafico- Mascherano, Banega- Dybala, Messi, Di Maria- Aguero

Croatia: 1-4-2-3-1

Subasic- Vrsaljko, Loveren, Vida, Strinic- Modric, Rakitic- Rebic, Kramaric, Perisic,- Mandzukic

First Published:Jun 21, 2018 7:30 AM IST