FIFA World Cup 2018 Group D
posted on Jun 16, 2018 | 72 likes
The World Cup 2018 Group D Team Players and Predictions.
GROUP D
ARGENTINA
FIFA RANKING: 5
FIRST FWC: 1930
LAST FWC: 2014
BEST ACHIEVEMENT: Champion 1978, 1986
THE COACH: JORGE SAMPAOLI- The Argentinian led Chile to the knockout stages at Brazil 2014, and his brand of high-tempo pressing football has now helped his home country to Russia 2018. Sampaoli was La Albiceleste’s third coach in a tumultuous qualifying campaign, with the 2015 Copa America winner finding the right formula to reach Russia.
TO GET THE GOALS: Lionel Messi
STAR: LIONEL MESSI- Considered one of the best footballers in history, Messi has been voted FIFA’s player of the year on five separate occasions. Argentina’s captain and all-time leading goalscorer will be making his fourth World Cup appearance at Russia 2018.
ICELAND
FIFA RANKING: 22
FIRST FWC: 2018
LAST FWC: ---
BEST ACHIEVEMENT: ---
THE COACH: HEIMIR HALLGRIMSSON- A former dentist who previously served as joint-head coach with Lars Lagerback, Hallgrimsson has overseen Iceland’s remarkable rise. Having led the team with Lagerback at UEFA EURO 2016, he was in sole charge as they reached a first World Cup – becoming the smallest country by population ever to qualify – by topping Group I.
TO GET THE GOALS: Gylfi Sigurdsson
STAR: GYLFI SIGURÐSSON- Iceland’s talismanic midfield playmaker has been named his country’s footballer of the year for the last five years running. Sigurdsson supplied four goals and as many assists in the team’s Russia 2018 qualifying campaign.
CROATIA
FIFA RANKING: 20
FIRST FWC: 1998
LAST FWC: 2014
BEST ACHIEVEMENT: 3rd place 1998
THE COACH: ZLATKO DALIC- Having replaced Ante Cacic as Croatia coach in October 2017, Dalic led the Balkan nation through a play-off, where they defeated Greece 4-1 on aggregate to secure their spot at Russia 2018. He previously coached UAE club Al-Ain and led them to the 2016 AFC Champions League final.
TO GET THE GOALS: Mario Mandzukic
STAR: LUKA MODRIC- Described recently by Andriy Shevchenko as “one of the best midfielders ever", Modric is certainly among the world’s finest right now. Croatia will be relying on this FIFA/FIFPro World XI member and three-time UEFA Champions League winner to pull the strings at Russia 2018.
NIGERIA
FIFA RANKING: 48
FIRST FWC: 1994
LAST FWC: 2014
BEST ACHIEVEMENT: Round of 16 1994, 1998, 2014
THE COACH: GERNOT ROHR- Rohr is one of the most experienced coaches in Africa, having enjoyed stints with Gabon, Niger and Burkina Faso. The German took charge of Nigeria in August 2016 and immediately revived their fortunes, with the Super Eagles qualifying for Russia 2018 with a game to spare, becoming the first African team to secure their spot.
TO GET THE GOALS: Alex Iwobi
STAR: JOHN OBI MIKEL- Nigeria’s captain remains their key man in central midfield. A UEFA Champions League winner with Chelsea, Mikel’s experience, strength and composure will be vital to the Super Eagles in Russia.