Group D promises to be the most entertaining of the tournament with two-time winners Argentina ($1.60) paired with Croatia ($3.25), Nigeria ($11) and Iceland ($13) in what has been dubbed the ‘Group of Death’.
The South Americans are the odds-on favourites to progress from the group with Croatia next on the line to make it the to the knock-out stage of the tournament.
There is an opportunity for all four countries to make a strong push to progress and Group D is surely set to be an outstanding swan song to the international career of Lionel Messi.
Suggested Bet: Nigeria to finish Bottom of Group D @ $2.20
Argentina
This will be the final opportunity for Leo Messi to capture a trophy for the national senior side after falling short in the final against Germany in 2014 and losing back-to-back Copa America finals to Chile in 2015 and 2016.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be looking to match the feats of former great Diego Maradona and lift the trophy in the final. The diminutive Barcelona player will be joined on a lethal strike force that includes Manchester City record goal-scorer Sergio Agüero and Juventus pair Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain.
Paris-Saint Germain winger Angel Di Maria will be looking for opportunities with young-star Christian Pavon.
The Albiceleste will be looking to go one better after falling at the final hurdle against Germany in 2014 and their hopes for success will rest on the shoulders of Messi.
First Match: vs Iceland (Saturday, June 16th 11PM AEST)
Croatia
Croatia have failed to progress past the group stage since their 3rd place at the 1998 tournament in France. The Croatian side have reached the quarterfinals of the European Champions twice but have yet to claim an international trophy.
The Croatian side boasts a potent midfield that includes the class of Real Madrid pair Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric. The additions from La Liga also include Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic and Atletico Madrid’s rising star Sime Vrsalijko.
Juventus veteran Mario Mandzukic will lead the line for the side and is the second highest goal scorer for his country behind Davor Suker.
Croatia are a clear class below Argentina in Group D, but have the potential to progress ahead of Nigeria and Iceland.
First Match: vs Nigeria (Sunday, June 17th 5AM AEST)
Nigeria
The Super Eagles will be looking to cause a few upsets at the 2018 World Cup. With a squad comprising of upcoming stars in the English Premier League, they will face a tough task to qualify against Argentina and Croatia.
The Nigerian attack will be led by Premier League pair Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho. Iwobi has scored some important goals for the national side and Iheanacho will be looking to prove his worth after a tough season with Leicester City.
The Super Eagles face a tough assignment to make it out of the group and betting against Nigeria could provide some excellent value in the marketplace.
First Match: vs Croatia (Sunday, June 17th 5AM AEST)
Iceland
Iceland are making their first appearance at a World Cup tournament and will be looking to ensure the Viking thunderclap is heard at least once in Russia.
Everton midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson holds the key to his side making a good impression at the group stage of the tournament. The EPL veteran is a dead ball specialist and will be looking for his side to match their efforts at the European Championship when they knocked out England on the way to the 2016 quarter-finals.
Their first World Cup will be an experience for the tiny country and they’ll be needing a huge slice of luck to progress beyond the group stage.
First Match: vs Argentina (Saturday, June 16th 11PM AEST)