Match Previews

Croatia are topping the group after beating Nigeria with a 2:0 scoreline in a scrappy game. A win would clinch them a place in the knock-out stage and could also secure them the top spot in the group. No new selection issues. Nikola Kalinic has been sent home after refusing to come on as a substitute.

Croatia started their World Cup campaign with a 2:0 win over Nigeria in a scrappy game which they won thanks to an own goal and a penalty goal by their skipper Luka Modric. The game was so cagey that Real Madrid's men 71st-minute effort from the spot was Croatia's first shot on target of the game.

The Blazers are topping their group following the first round. They will clinch a place in the last 16 and possibly secure winning the group if they beat Argentina, while a draw would keep their destiny in their own hands going into the final game.

The lineup that Zlatko Dalic used against Nigeria was described by the domestic media as the most attacking-minded eleven in the history of Croatian football. It remains to be seen if a more cautious approach will be taken against Argentina, with Milan Badelj pushing for a recall to the starting eleven.

No new injuries were suffered against the Super Eagles, so Dalic will once again have all of his players available to pick from.

It was revealed on Tuesday that Nikola Kalinic is no longer a part of Croatian World Cup squad. The AC Milan striker was sent home after refusing to come on as a substitute in the previous match.

Croatia have faced South American opposition at the World Cup four times and lost all four games. Apart from being edged out by Argentina in 1998 in their sole previous competitive meeting, they suffered 1:0 defeats to Ecuador in 2002 and Brazil in 2006 before being beaten by the Selecao with a 3:1 scoreline in the opening game of the previous World Cup.