Croatia (The Blazers) are ranked 20th in the world which isn't bad for a Country that failed to qualify automatically. Croatia had the honor of finishing 2nd below Iceland in their group which forced them into a playoff against Greece. They dispatched Greece 4-1 in the first leg and in so doing, calmed the nerves of a nation.
Croatia has only been a Republic for a couple decades now and so it is impressive that there very first World Cup as a republic (1998) they finished 3rd. However since that amazing tournament, they haven't done much more then make up the numbers. Having been knocked out in the group in 02, 06 and 14 and not qualifying in 2010, Croatia have had a rough go on the World Stage.
They performed well in the EUROS topping a group that contained Spain and took Portugal to extra time in the round of 16 before being beaten. They are a relatively young side with the majority of players below 25. Lead by Modric and Mandzukic this team can put up a fight against most teams but seem to falter when it counts.
Nigeria (Super Eagles) have been a mainstay of World Cups for a while now despite only being ranked 48th; the only World Cup they have missed since 1994 was the 2006 World Cup.
Amazingly Nigeria, who were 2013 African Champions, failed to qualify for both the 2015 and 2017 tournaments.
Nigeria have the honor this year of being dubbed the team with the best kit, with their kit being sold out worldwide within a week of launch. Still being led by old guard John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses, Nigeria's talent pool of late has shrunk somewhat. The majority of their players still feature in the Premier League in England however their star players are no longer setting the world on fire.
Nigeria have however, struggled lately in almost all their warm up games including a 4-0 loss to fellow African minnows Morocco.Although they did well in Brazil, they had a relatively easier group back then.
Both these teams are shadows of their former selves with neither of them expected to do much this tournament. However with Iceland in the group, both will like their chances of progressing. I expect both these teams to go for the win but defensive lapses will cost them. 2-2.
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