FIFA World Cup 2018: 5 things to watch out for in Argentina vs Croatia

The 2018 edition of FIFA World Cup has been a roller-coaster ride so far, with incorrect score-line predictions by pundits and unusual match results. Favourites like Argentina, Brazil and Spain managed to salvage just a draw in the first round of group-stage matches while defending champions Germany slumped to a defeat against Mexico.

Argentina were able to pick up just a single point in their opening game after World Cup debutants Iceland held their fort and forced La Albiceleste to settle for a draw. This has put Argentina's chances of qualifying for the next round in some serious jeopardy.

They dropped two easy points against minnows Iceland and face a stern test in their next two matches. Croatia would like to strangle Argentina and qualify for the next round by securing a win in the upcoming tie.

Here are five things one should watch out for in the hugely anticipated tie:

#5 The X-factor of Lionel Messi

Enter ca — The talisman can steamroll opponents if he gets going

Lionel Messi is often considered by many football fans and experts as the G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time). He only needs to add a World Cup to his cupboard that is already filled with multiple trophies and of course, five Ballon d'Ors.

However, Messi was man-marked very tightly by Iceland in the opening game of Argentina's WC2018 campaign. He took a total of 11 shots out of which only 3 were on target. To add to his misery, he missed a potentially match-winning penalty. Messi was repeatedly crowded out each time he was in possession of the ball and couldn't break the Icelandic defence.

But, the World Cup is far from over and the world is very much familiar with what Lionel Messi can do on his day. Lionel Messi is so good as a player that he can walk into any side on the planet and elevate the team to a different level. Argentina would need him to be at the peak of his powers if they wish to defeat Croatia.

#2 The Croatian midfield arsenal

Enter capt — Rakitic and Modric are key to Croatia's chances of winning the tie

The Croatian midfield is filled with stalwarts who are complete midfielders in the context of football and can change matches completely, with their vision and accurate passing.

In Luka Modric, Croatia have one of the finest playmakers of the world. Even though Modric was deployed in a deeper role against Nigeria as opposed to his natural attacking midfield position. He got into the flow after a slow start and bossed the proceedings throughout the game.

Ivan Rakitic is the attacking brain of the team. He was very impressive against Nigeria and showed it again, why he is such a core player to Barcelona and Croatia as well.

Completing the devastating midfield are Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic, Andrej Kramaric and Milan Badelj, each one of them being a match-winner in their own right.

#3 An unpredictable Argentinian defence

The greatest problem with Argentina that they want to end maybe 'Messidependencia', according to Gabriel Mercado. However a greater problem is the erratic defence that La Albeceleste possess, that tends to be solid on one occasion and falls apart on another.

In the game against Iceland, the problems with the defensive organisation were very much evident. In the 11th minute, an Icelandic counter-attack almost lead to a goal but Bjarnason missed scoring from a deflected shot.

The only Icelandic goal was scored by Alfred Finnbogason in the 23rd minute from a previous shot deflected by goalkeeper Willy Caballero. Argentina had two clear chances to clear the ball before the goal was scored.

But, that is not the end of the story. The defensive hold was really good in the second half and the defenders didn't allow a single shot on goal by Iceland.

The performances of wingbacks Nicolas Tagliafico and Eduardo Salvio were worth noticing.

#4 The relentless 'La Albiceleste' attack

Enter — Argentina can actually overwhelm Croatia with their attacking potential.

Argentina have been blessed with a wealth of attacking options. So much so, that coach Jorge Sampaoli did not take Mauro Icardi to Russia, even though he scored 29 goals in the Serie A in the last season.

Veteran strikers like Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain lead the line for the team. Both are massively experienced players having scored dozens of goals at both club and international levels.

Operating behind them is Lionel Messi as the central attacking midfielder. The young and energetic Paulo Dybala can contribute from both central midfield and right wing, by scoring goals and feeding the strikers with incisive passes.

The left wing is bossed by Angel Di Maria, who forms a really lethal combination with Messi. Cristian Pavon had an electrifying debut against Iceland and would be looking to impress further. Maxim Meza is yet another exciting prospect for Argentina.

#5 The tactical battle: Sampaoli vs Dalic

Who will come out on top in the battle of minds?

Jorge Sampaoli has had a tough time reconstructing the Argentinean team ever since he took over from Edgardo Bauza. However, he has a team of superstars to rely upon and he would look forward to seeing his team firing on all cylinders.

Sampaoli's Argentina relies much on high pressing mixed with aggressive attacking, that forces the opponent players to make mistakes. The players try to tackle the ball often and try to regain the ball once it is lost before the opposition can build up a brief spell of possession, which may trouble the defence.

Croatian manager Zlatko Dalic, however, likes to deploy wide-attacking wingers who can effectively cross into the box for the central striker to head in or score a goal. They are heavily reliant on their central midfielders who have all the responsibility to create in the middle and pass the ball to the wingers.