Iceland look to humble Croatia in Group D clash

epa06814251 Luka Modric (R) of Croatia and John Obi Mikel of Nigeria in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group D preliminary round soccer match between Croatia and Nigeria in Kaliningrad, Russia, 16 June 2018.

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Monday Jun 25, 2018. 13:00

Iceland will face off with Croatia in their final 2018 FIFA World Cup Group D match at the Rostov Arena in Russia on Tuesday.

Kick-off is at 20h00 CAT.

Our Boys suffered their maiden defeat at the tournament when they lost 2-0 to Nigeria at the Volgograd Arena on Friday.

The defeat left Iceland placed third on the Group D standings with three points from two matches. They are only two points behind second-placed Nigeria.

The European side will advance to the Round of 16 if they secure a win against Croatia and the other result between Nigeria, and Argentina go their way.

Iceland will look to their inspirational midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson and Alfred Finnbogason, who netted against Argentina in their first game of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Croatia recorded their second win at the tournament when they beat Argentina 3-0 at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Thursday.

As a result, the Blazers remained at the top of Group D standings with six points from two games. They are three points above second-placed Nigeria.

The European side have already booked their place in the Round of 16 and they will be looking to win Group D with a win over Iceland.

Luka Modric, who has scored twice in this year's tournament, is the dangerman for Croatia and he has the ability to inspire his nation to victory.

In head-to-head stats according to the FIFA.com, Iceland and Croatia have clashed six times.

The Blazers have secured four wins compared to Our Boys' one victory, while one match ended in a draw.

Spanish match referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz will officiate the game between Iceland and Croatia on Tuesday.