Most of Croatia’s squad know this is their last chance to win the World Cup or any major competition for their nation as several of this generation’s best players are well over 30 years now. Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic, and Ivan Rakitic are among those who are heading towards retirement.
The Europeans crashed out of the group stage of the last World Cup, and were eliminated at the round of 16 at Euro 2016. Their World Cup preparations ended with a 2-1 win over Senegal that follows a poor 2-0 loss to Brazil at Anfield. They have now won four of their last seven games leading up to this match.
Nigeria became the first African team to qualify for the World Cup, however, their preparations for the World Cup have not entirely gone to plan. They lost their last friendly game 1-0 against the Czech Republic, that followed a 2-1 loss to England. They have now avoided defeat in only two of their last six games.
Nigeria’s team is made up Premier League experience with the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Moses and Wilfred Ndidi all Premier League regulars.
The Super Eagles have scored in seven of their last ten games, while Croatia have conceded in 10 of their last 15 games.
