World Cup: Group D: Nigeria vs. Argentina, Iceland vs. Croatia, 6/26/2018

[Corto]

Apparently, Modric will start tonight. Croatian media thinks it's some sort of pressure from FIFA to give Argentina a better chance of going through, but it just seems like baseless conjecture to me.
Maybe Modric prefers to play 50-60 minutes to keep the rythym going, who knows.

Either way, likely starting 11:

Kalinic - Jedvaj, Corluka, Caleta-Car, Pivaric - Modric, Badelj, Kovacic - Perisic, Kramaric, Pjaca

Defence will be suspect, but midfield and forwards should be good enough to win the game, if they show up 100%.

I don't really know what to expect from his game, though on paper, Croatia is still much better, even with 9 starters out.
But we've thrown worse stinkers with better teams, so who knows...

 

[Dr Pepper]

Apparently, Modric will start tonight. Croatian media thinks it's some sort of pressure from FIFA to give Argentina a better chance of going through, but it just seems like baseless conjecture to me.
Maybe Modric prefers to play 50-60 minutes to keep the rythym going, who knows.

Either way, likely starting 11:

Kalinic - Jedvaj, Corluka, Caleta-Car, Pivaric - Modric, Badelj, Kovacic - Perisic, Kramaric, Pjaca

Defence will be suspect, but midfield and forwards should be good enough to win the game, if they show up 100%.

I don't really know what to expect from his game, though on paper, Croatia is still much better, even with 9 starters out.
But we've thrown worse stinkers with better teams, so who knows...

Wasn't he sent packing for insubordination?

 

[Ivan13]

Wasn't he sent packing for insubordination?

Kalinić the striker was sent home, Kalinić the goalie - no relation - is still there.

 

[Dr Pepper]

Kalinić the striker was sent home, Kalinić the goalie - no relation - is still there.

Ah, alright that makes sense. Thanks.

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

Even Czech media now reporting that the players have taken over Team Argentina, led by Messi, Mascherano and Otamendi. Aguero reportedly on the outs and thinking about leaving the team. Changes in the lineup sure. Could be one for the history books if the team suddenly starts clicking, or likewise if it totally comes apart at the seams

They're obviously piggy backing from the Argentine media.

Kun being out for today's game would imply Sampa still in charge. He and messi are best friends and has the only goal for Argentina soo.

It's all BS nothing is true

 

[Panteras]

Are you going to say it’s all BS once Banega starts in 4 4 2? Banega starting is a Messi call. Yes lot of stuff is BS, like that Mascherano punched Pavon after the game, but not everything as you put it. The players are making “suggestions” as Mascherano said. I believe that word is stronger in real context than it suggests.

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

Are you going to say it’s all BS once Banega starts in 4 4 2? Banega starting is a Messi call. Yes lot of stuff is BS, like that Mascherano punched Pavon after the game, but not everything as you put it. The players are making “suggestions” as Mascherano said. I believe that word is stronger in real context than it suggests.

Some questions, if the players i.e Messi/Masch are selection the team why is the rumour the Kun, messi childhood and closest friend not playing? not only that but apparently is on the outs? He had some words for Sampa so, it would make sense that he's been dropped from the coaches POV.

Another thing, Messi hailed Pavon prior to the tournament but now he's been an afterthought? Media even claimed that Messi wants him at the camp not LMAO. So, which is it?

Banega starting is a Messi call... on what grounds? Please, don't embarrass yourself like that.

 

[maclean]

Some questions, if the players i.e Messi/Masch are selection the team why is the rumour the Kun, messi childhood and closest friend not playing? not only that but apparently is on the outs? He had some words for Sampa so, it would make sense that he's been dropped from the coaches POV.

Another thing, Messi hailed Pavon prior to the tournament but now he's been an afterthought? Media even claimed that Messi wants him at the camp not LMAO. So, which is it?

Well, I won't claim to have any particular insight into the matter, but just because there are conflicting reports does not mean none of them are true. Most outlets are just collecting rumours from all over and presenting them as fact. It doesn't mean they are all lies though.

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

Well, I won't claim to have any particular insight into the matter, but just because there are conflicting reports does not mean none of them are true. Most outlets are just collecting rumours from all over and presenting them as fact. It doesn't mean they are all lies though.

This is the Argentine press... talking about the NT. Nothing is real. There's a reason why the players shunned them awhile back. They have a history of smearing them.

 

[maclean]

This is the Argentine press... talking about the NT. Nothing is real. There's a reason why the players shunned them awhile back. They have a history of smearing them.

This is the Daily Mail quoting Burruchago's former teammate Ricardo Giusti. Then La Nacion quoting Mascherano directly. I don't know, seems like a lot of smoke to me, but I guess the important thing will become clear in a few hours.

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

This is the Daily Mail quoting Burruchago's former teammate Ricardo Giusti. Then La Nacion quoting Mascherano directly. I don't know, seems like a lot of smoke to me, but I guess the important thing will become clear in a few hours.

What quote from Masch directly that suggests Sampa is out? He says the relationship with Sampa is normal. The Messi friends narrative is something that he doesn't understand. Lastly, Sampa held a meeting with the players to let them voice their opinions.

Nothing from the players suggests there's a rift. There could be but unless there's hard proof that Sampa has been shunned Ill take the players words over the "journalists".

 

[Ceremony]

3-0. Messi hat trick.

 

[Luigi Habs]

Lineups are out

Armani, Mercado, Otamendi, Rojo, Tagli, Perez, Mascherano, Banega, Di Maria, Messi, Higuain.

Happy Armani is starting. I don’t understand though how Perez goes from not being selected to a starter 2 games out of 3. Still don’t understand either how they’re not going with a 4-2-3-1 with Dybala starting either in a must win game.

Still expecting Argentina’s last game in this WC.

 

[Elliman]

Nothing against Argentina but I hope it’s Crostia and Nigeria coming out. Need more African teams in the knock out rounds. Senegal as well!

 

[Live in the Now]

It's going to be Messi scoring two and creating one from nothing.

 

[Panteras]

Some questions, if the players i.e Messi/Masch are selection the team why is the rumour the Kun, messi childhood and closest friend not playing? not only that but apparently is on the outs? He had some words for Sampa so, it would make sense that he's been dropped from the coaches POV.

Another thing, Messi hailed Pavon prior to the tournament but now he's been an afterthought? Media even claimed that Messi wants him at the camp not LMAO. So, which is it?

Banega starting is a Messi call... on what grounds? Please, don't embarrass yourself like that.

embarrass myself? Lol dude it was a Messi call! He wanted Banega to pass him the ball. If you are the hardcore Argentina fan you’d know that they are also great friends and they have had a great working relationship in past Argentina games this is well documented.... furthermore don’t forget that while Messi wears the armband Mascherano is probably the defecto captain and more vocal. There were compromises in that meeting they had. Either way I hope Nigeria get a draw mostly because of my fantasy and for the lulz that’s this Argentina WC

 

[Shrimper]

Argentina will win, 2-1.

 

[gary69]

Don't understand Perez selection either. Maybe this time Nigeria's WC curse against Argentina is over and finally they won't lose.

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

embarrass myself? Lol dude it was a Messi call! He wanted Banega to pass him the ball. If you are the hardcore Argentina fan you’d know that they are also great friends and they have had a great working relationship in past Argentina games this is well documented.... furthermore don’t forget that while Messi wears the armband Mascherano is probably the defecto captain and more vocal. There were compromises in that meeting they had. Either way I hope Nigeria get a draw mostly because of my fantasy and for the lulz that’s this Argentina WC

If it's biglia it's messi call, if it's banega it's messi call. Where's he's closest friend? Why is he on the bench?like I said don't embarrass yourself. Don't act like you can tell me something new about this team.

Game is starting so, you'll have the last response. Enjoy.

 

[N o o d l e s]

Playing agains a young, fast and exciting team? Play all your old players!

 

[TP]

Love to see Messi bust out. Let's go Eagles!

 

[Live in the Now]

Great atmosphere.

 

[illpucks]

Let's see what Ahmed Musa's got

 

[illpucks]

Is Romero still playing?

 

[adudeonaforum]

I hope Nigeria eliminates Argentina, they have no business in this World Cup.
Nigeria should be able to dominate Argentina in the midfield.