Nothing less than victory will do for Iceland when they take on Croatia at the Rostov Arena in their final group game on Tuesday.
With one point to their name after two matches, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men need to win and hope for a favourable result in the other game between Argentina and Nigeria.
Latest Odds
Having ran out 1-0 winners when the sides last met in a World Cup qualifier last June, Iceland are available at 51/20 (3.05) with SportPesa to fulfil their side of the bargain by securing another victory.
Already qualified after winning both of their opening matches, the Vatreni are priced at 6/5 (2.20) to extend their 100 per cent record by coming out on top in this one.
GettyJust one of the previous six encounters between this pair has resulted in a draw, but you can get odds of 47/20 (3.35) on them cancelling each other out here.
Team News
Three of the Vikings team will be playing on home turf, with Ragnar Sigurdsson, Sverrir Ingason, and Bjorn Sigurdarson all under contract at local club FC Rostov.
With top spot all but secured already, Zlatko Dalic may choose to rest some of his key players ahead of the knockout stages.
Under par Iceland
After making such an impressive start to their first ever World Cup by holding Argentina to a draw, the Hallgrimsson’s debutants were extremely disappointing in their meek defeat against Nigeria.
The minnows’ preference for surrendering possession and playing on the counter attack did not serve them well against similarly conservative African opposition.
Therefore, it is hard to see them really taking the game to an accomplished Croatian outfit in this must-win game.
Predictions
Instead, having now gone eight games without a victory, odds of 6/5 (2.20) look generous on Iceland succumbing to another defeat against an opponent that seems to be peaking at just the right time.
Croatia to win at 6/5 (2.20) for a 1.5pt stake with SportPesa