Iceland opened with a famous 1-1 draw against Argentina when my notes included ............

 

 

They played well and caused problems for Argentina defensively, of course, that looks a little devalued after last night, but not by much and you would not convince Iceland that it was in any case. They did allow the South American team 27 attempts on goal and only completed 132 passes which I think are the highest and lowest numbers at these championships, but they were going very direct (as usual) with the latter.

 

Nigeria started their campiagn with a  2-0 loss to Croatia ..............

 

 

They played poorly, but did have ten attempts inside the box (Argentina just 8 last night) which is something  (conceding twice from dead ball situations tells us something else and will not have gone unnoticed by Iceland especially Gylfi Sigurdsson ) and Croatia winning against the group favourites last night has completely changed the complexion of this game. Win for Nigeria today and a point might be enough in their final group game, it will certainly leave matters in their own hands, should Iceland fail to take max points, they will almost certainly need to beat Croatia on Matchday 3 ,who might even let them win, or at least take things easy , but they cannot know that and is for discussion on another day. Nigeria went with the 19 yo keeper (see above) and their two holding players are just 21 and 22 and they look vulnerable defensively and we know that the Icelanders rarely keep a clean sheet, but if they win, it takes Nigeria out of the qualifying mix and I expect both nations to look to win and each to concede. Nigeria will have more time on the ball today and the conditions in Volgograd 30-31 degress and feeling warmer will surely suit them better. Set up in training has hinted at big changes including a switch to a back three , I am expecting more from them, the same as usual from Iceland, which could still be enough.