Nigeria vs Iceland
Friday 22nd June 2018
FIFA World Cup 2018, Group D, Volgograd Arena Volgograd
Live on BBC 1 – Kick-Off: 16:00
Nigeria vs Iceland. The Europeans, Iceland will be hoping to build on their draw with Argentina with victory against Nigeria, with both sides needing a win.
Iceland impressed in their opening Group D match, drawing 1-1 with Argentina despite going behind. They defended for their lives and held a very impressive defensive shape, limiting Lionel Messi and co to speculative efforts on goal. When they needed their ‘keeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson, a part-time movie director, he came to the rescue – denying Messi from the penalty spot. After that impressive draw, a win against Nigeria could put them in a great spot to qualify from Group D. Despite playing on the counter-attack against Argentina, they looked dangerous in attack. Glyfi Sigurdsson was at his creative best despite missing the last two months through injury – he could be crucial in their next two group games.
Nigeria were lacklustre in their opening match defeat against Croatia. They gave away two sloppy goals and failed to pose any threat in attack, despite registering seven shots on target. The reality is, they never looked like scoring and that has to change in this next game. Realistically this is now a must-win match for Nigeria. If they don’t win they will be without any hope of snatching second place in the group.
Whilst there’s very little chance of Nigeria playing as poorly as last time, I still think Iceland will win. They showed a lot of grit and determination against a superior side. Now it’ll be interesting to see if they can translate that level of performance against a weaker opponent.
Prediction: Nigeria 0-1 Iceland
Suggested Tips – Nigeria vs Iceland – (BET365):
- Correct score, Iceland to win 1-0 – (link no longer available).
Suggested Tips – Nigeria vs Iceland – (SKYBET):
- Sigurdsson to score and win – 9/2.
- Iceland to win to nil – 3/1.
- Scorecast Boost – Victor Moses to score first and Nigeria to win 2-1 – 100/1. (0.5pt Outsider).
- Draw 1-1 and no booking points – 100/1. (0.5pt Outsider).
- Draw 0-0 and no booking points – 125/1. (0.5pt Outsider).
Don’t forget – we will be previewing as many if not all the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group Stage games. Keep visiting Tips and Previews ahead of games to get our suggested tips and correct score picks for the games.
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