PBP Thread: Match #8, Croatia vs Nigeria, 16 June 2018 [R]

In.

 

One of the absolutely gems of a match-up for this World Cup, the clash of styles and the expectations should make it a dish.

 

Looking forward to this. Lets go Super Eagles!!!

 

This might very well be the game of the 1st round. Can't wait!

 

Balogun out for Nigeria. Thankfully the subs are capable.

 

Hopefully that isn't too bad for us. Omeruo is better on the ball than Balogun.

 

Very interesting matchup in clash of styles. From a Croatian standpoint I will be very interested in the starting lineup. Rumors are Kramaric is going to start as the secondary striker with Modric and Rakitic holding the midfield. The coach has stated he wants to keep Rebic and Persic in the wings as there both natural wingers with pace. Dropping Badelj is a big risk as he's the only natural holding midfielder they have. Although not blessed with pace Badelj reads the game very well and is there best tackler. Rakitic has played holiding mid for Barcelona this season as he has a great motor and reads the game well himself but it's not his natural position. Nigeria is going to get there chances on the counter against Croatia as I do believe Croatia will press them high and try to force them into mistakes. Starting Kramaric I think is a must as he is there most in form and best goal scorer. Against Greece and Ukraine Kramaric started on the right side of midfield. I really do believe that Dalic only has faith in Kramaric to finish any chances created as he has shown. I personally would start Kovacic with Modric and Kramaric in the 10 as Kovacic with his pace and motor can cover more ground then any other midfielder. Will see if Dalic goes with a more attack minded lineup or if he starts Badelj as the holding mid dropping probably Rebic to the bench and Kramaric on the right.

 

Likely line up for Nigeria:
Rohr rumoured to stay with 4-2-3-1.
Omeruo to replace Balogun, if injured.

------------------------Uzoho------------------------------
-Ebuehi------Balogun------Troost-Ekong--Idowu-
-----------------Ndidi-----------Etebo--------------------
--------------------------Mikel------------------------------
-Moses---------------------------------------------Iwobi--
------------------------Ighalo-------------------------------

I think Iheanacho needs to start... Other than that can't really fault the selection. Iwobi would best be played in the middle, but can Nigeria afford to lose the incessant running of Etebo when faced with Croatia?

 

Been a while but I'm in! Rooting for Nigeria.

 

Going to this match. Croatians literally took over the town last night

 

Take this with a pinch of scepticism because its from Owngoalnigeria, but the lineup is apparently:

--------------------------Uzoho------------------------
-Shehu-----Troost-Ekong---Balogun---Idowu-
----------------Ndidi---------Etebo-------------------
-Moses-----------------Mikel-----------------Iwobi-
-------------------------Ighalo--------------------------

Note: Omeruo may play, if Balogun fails a late fitness test.
Shehu and Idowu the weak points, so hopefully they up their performance level.

Rumoured Croatia lineup (again Owngoalnigeria):

-------------------------Subasic-------------------------
-Strinic---------Vida-----------Lovren-----Vrsaljko-
------------------Rakitic--------Modric-----------------
--------------------------Rebic---------------------------
-Perisic-----------------------------------Mandzukic-
----------------------Kramaric---------------------------

Don't exactly know how that front four would work given its basically four strikers / forwards.

 

Mandzukic is playing up top with Kramaric behind him. Perisic Rebic wingers. 4-2-3-1 formation

 

I cheer for my European brothers. Go Go Croatia! This is a match I would like to watch to get excited after watching our boring match today. May the best team wins.

 

Not nice at all:

According to reporting by Sport Express Russia making reference to Mash, a Super Eagles fan has been thrown down from a second story window of an apartment building located at Brusilov Street in Moscow.

The 26-year-old Toluope Akindi came to Russia for the 2018 World Cup matches; the newspaper has reported that he drank too much, got out on the door of the entrance and began to dance and sing loudly.

The action of the Nigerian infuriated his co-tenants and one of them pushed him out of the window.

Toluope fell from the height of the second floor and has been hospitalized with a fracture of both heels.

 

Idemo Kockastiiiiiii [emoji1082]

 

One of the most anticipated games for sure... I have predicted most of the winners so far (Russia, Uruguay, France, Denmark), but missed (Portugal, Argentina, Morocco). I also did not predict any scores exactly right... So for this one, I am going with 2:2 draw.

 

Idemo vatreniiiiiii

 

Croatia with a very offensive minded line-up. I'm optimistic. Hopefully Croatia will prevail. Perišič and Rebić over the wings, Kramarić as deep lying forward and Mandžukić upfront.

 

Let's go Super Eagles! Tear that net!

 

Idemooooo Lukaaaaaaa

 

Been a great day of footie, looking forward to the final course. Narrow win for Croatia is my guess.

 

Thanks god for VAR in Russia. Nigeria will not have luck this time with ref just like in Brazil.

 

I want to see lots of goals from both teams. Think Croatia will come out on top. But cmon wish Nigeria finish with 3 points!

 

Whoever wins this game will take the first place of the group...Now it's like "group of death"