Argentina boasts the fourth place FIFA ranking so far in 2018. They also have one one of the top players in the world with Lionel Messi. A history of two World Cup titles and a second place finish in 2014 enhances their appeal. With all of that in mind Argentina is the World Cup betting Odds favorite in Group D. Croatia can’t match Argentina in history or talent. But the Croatian National team rates as the second choice in Group D. Nigeria and Iceland are the two long shots in Group D. All in all, Group D is Argentina’s to lose. And it’s doubtful that they will.
2018 FIFA World Cup Group D
Date and Time: June 14 through July 15, 2018
Location: Russia
Group D World Cup Betting Online Odds: Argentina -200, Croatia +200, Nigeria +900, Iceland +1000
2018 FIFA World Cup Group D TV Coverage: Check Listings
Group D action with the World Cup Betting Odds opens on June 16, 2018. Argentina will face Iceland at Otkrytiye Arena in Moscow. Croatia will take on Nigeria at Kaliningrad Stadium in Kaliningrad. Argentina will face Croatia on June 21. The match will be at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny, Novgorod. On June 22 Nigeria will meet Iceland. The game is at Volgograd Arena in Volgograd. The final two games for Group D are on June 26. Nigeria plays Argentina at Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg. Iceland and Croatia will meet at the Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don.
Few teams in World Cup play have the sportsbook cache of Argentina. And few players have the worldwide name recognition of captain Lionel Messi. Messi is the top goal scorer in Argentina team history with 61. He has played professionally for Barcelona since 2004. Known for his outstanding agility, Messi is an entertaining watch. He changes direction so quickly that defenders are rendered helpless. In a sport justifiably derided for diving dramatics Messi does not partake. He is also celebrated as the best dribbler in the world. Few players can lead an attack with the effectiveness of Messi. He is able to attack not just from center but from both wings. With a current FIFA ranking of fourth Argentina is riding the momentum from 2014. It was their first top four finish since 1990. They have not won a championship since 1986. But this edition Argentina is considered one of its best ever.
The only realistic alternative to Argentina is Croatia. The national team of Croatia is ranked 15th in FIFA. Their best World Cup finish was third place in 1998. Team captain Luka Modric is known for his pro career with Real Madrid. Modric is respected as one of the world’s best midfielders. His ability to defend has made him an asset.
Matchup to Watch
Group D is a World Cup Betting Odds mismatch. The only question is if Argentina’s occasional lack of discipline will do them in. Even then it may not be enough to permit an upset. The other teams lack the depth and history of Argentina. And only Argentina boasts the great Lionel Messi.
Group D 2018 FIFA World Cup Betting Odds Picks
There is no doubt that Argentina is an expensive pick. There is also no doubt that they are the only realistic choice. Group D simply has little else to offer. Argentina rates as the best and only pick.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: Argentina
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