Argentina was expected to win Group D in the World Cup, but Lionel Messi & Co. were very disappointing in a 1-1 draw to open the tournament vs. Iceland. A loss to Croatia on Thursday all but ends Argentina’s chance to win the group, but it is favored on the soccer odds at MyBookie Sportsbook.We have all the information you need to keep up-to-date on all things World Cup. It’s going to be a lucrative period, from World Cup prop bets to moneyline wagers and point spreads, there’s plenty of ways to keep it exciting.
Croatia has won their opening game of a World Cup for the first time since their debut in the competition in 1998 (3-1 vs Jamaica). Croatia has scored in each of their last five World Cup games, their longest scoring streak in the competition. Finally, Croatia’s opening goals at each of the last two World Cups have been own goals — Marcelo in 2014 (Brazil) and Etebo.Here’s Modric about his tactical role against Nigeria in the opening game, and whether it will be any different against Argentina: “We played as a team, we were very compact against Nigeria. We have to do the same against Argentina. Yes, I played as a defensive midfielder and I like that position, but of course, I will adapt to all the options that the coach comes up with.”The news wasn’t all good for Croatia as the team sent home striker Nikola Kalinic after he refused to come on as a substitute in the opening game. Dalic said Kalinic warmed up but could not play due to a “back issue” – but after the same happened in a friendly against Brazil, the manager pulled the plug on the 30-year-old’s tournament. The news comes amid apparent transfer talks between AC Milan, Kalinic’s current club team, and Sevilla.These two sides have met four times, with two wins for Argentina, one for Croatia and one draw. They last played in a 2014 friendly that Argentina won 2-1.
Argentina vs. Croatia 2018 World Cup Lines & Expert Prediction
Leo Messi: A Defender’s Nightmare. #HereToCreate #NEMEZIZ #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/cecJXXCmzh
— Team Messi (@TeamMessi) 16 de junio de 2018
- When: Thursday, 2 PM ET
- Where: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
- TV / Stream: Fox / Fox Sports Go
- 2018 World Cup Lines: Argentina -102, Croatia +270, Draw+215 (2.5)
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Why Bet on Argentina?
- Confederation: CONMEBOL
- Head coach: Jorge Sampaoli
- Captain: Lionel Messi
- FIFA Ranking: 5
Projected Line-Up
- 23-W. Caballero
- 14-J. Mascherano
- 17-N. Otamendi
- 16-M. Rojo
- 3-N. Tagliafico
- 5-L. Biglia
- 11-Á. Di María
- 7-E. Banega
- 22-C. Pavón
- 10-L. Messi
- 19-S. Agüero
Why Bet on Croatia?
- Confederation: UEFA
- Head coach: Zlatko Dalić
- Captain: Luka Modrić
- FIFA Ranking: 20

Projected Line-Up
- 23-D. Subašić
- 21-D. Vida
- 3-I. Strinić
- 6-D. Lovren
- 2-Š. Vrsaljko
- 10-L. Modrić
- 7-I. Rakitić
- 4-I. Perišić
- 17-M. Mandžukić
- 9-A. Kramarić
- 18-A. Rebić