Dalic’s out to exterminate
Super Eagles looking to fly
WILLY CABALLERO has dismissed suggestions that Argentina without Lionel Messi are there for the taking in the Group of Death.
SO much talent. So frustrating. They made it to the semi-finals at France 98 but, since then, have failed to go beyond group stages. With a squad packed with outstanding talents they will surely be confident of putting that right in Russia.
Throughout the side they boast class and experience, with the likes of Dejan Lovren in defence, Luka Modric (above), Ivan Perisic and Ivan Rakitic in midfield and Mario Mandzukic up front.
Zlatko Dalic was parachuted in after qualification to lead the country into battle. Hopes are high that they can make up for lost time. NOBODY will underestimate them again after their heroics at Euro2016, Heimar Hallgrimsson’s side are the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for the World Cup finals,
Iceland proved that campaign was no fluke by topping a group featuring Croatia, Ukraine and Turkey to make it to Russia.
On the down side, a knee injury to star man, Everton’s Gylfi Sigurdsson (above), has caused concern going into the tournament.
But they are well-organised and will look to frustrate opponents with their defensive solidity and ability at set-pieces. FORGET the recent insipid display against England at Wembley.
Nigeria are hoping to come alive at this World Cup. They have missed only one of the last seven tournaments and made this one with an impressive qualifying campaign.
Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi (left), Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester and former Watford striker Odion Ighalo provide the cutting edge. John Obi Mikel brings experience in midfield, while in defence Leon Balogun and Kenneth Omeruo are among the options available.
They made it through to the second round in 1994, 1998 and 2014. Can they do it again?