Iceland v Croatia

There are all sorts of permutations at play in Group D, with Croatia set to infuriate Argentina by make wholesale changes for their final group stage match with Iceland.

Argentina of course need to win to stay in the tournament, but even that outcome might not be enough if Iceland can get a point or better against Croatia, goal difference depending.

But as far as this game is concerned, Iceland have been given a massive chance with the news that changes will be made. Among those expected to be benched are Mario Mandzukic, Ivan Rakitic, Dejan Lovren and Luka Modric, and it's doubtful that Croatia would turn in the same level of dominance without those names.

It's certainly very fair to say we'd underrated the Croatian outfit in our pre-tournament previews, but without their stars, Iceland have the ability to give them a match. While losing to Nigeria was a massive set-back, that was a pretty level match on balance, and 2-0 certainly flattered the African side, and a missed penalty from Gylfi Sigurdsson should have made things look more respectable.

It's also worth having a slightly longer memory than most World Cup 2018 fans. Iceland came out on top of Group I to reach the finals with 22 points. Guess who came second with 20? Yep, it was Croatia!

So with the group leaders resting their most talented players, should Iceland really be 13/5 outsides in this one? I'm not convinced personally, and that's where my cash is going in this game.

If Mandzukic , Rebic, Modrid and Rakitic are all rested (and possibly Peresic too) then Andrej Kramaric could be an excellent bet to be Croatia's first goalscorer. He's 15/4 to win that market with Bet365 which has to be too long surely?

2.5pts Iceland to win the match at 13/5 (General)

1pt Kramaric first Croatia Scorer at 15/4 (Bet365)

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