Croatia has served notice to all after two impressive wins. They are a bona fide World Cup betting threat to win it all. Their utter destruction of Argentina was awe inspiring. And perhaps a wakeup call to gamblers. Not much attention was being paid to the Croats at the start. They were not top tier tournament favorites. Germany, Spain, and Brazil head the marquee. But that is quickly changing. As are the perceptions of punters. Iceland came to Russia as something of a Cinderella story. But their last match was a slap in the face. Not to mention midnight approaching.
2018 FIFA World Cup Iceland vs. Croatia
Date and Time: Tuesday, June 26, 2018, 10 a.m. ET
Location: Rostov Arena, Rostov on Don
World Cup Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Croatia | -½ (+112) | 2 (-139) |  |
| Iceland | +½(-139) | 2 (+124) | |
| |||
2018 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage: FS1
Iceland so Far
Iceland impressed all in their World Cup betting opener. They posted a 1-1 tie against Argentina. The draw was as good as a win. Nobody thought Iceland could stay with Lionel Messi and company. And goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson made a save for the ages. He stopped Messi on a penalty. Halldorsson correctly guessed with a brilliant right dive for the stop. Which electrified the entire world. But in their second match Iceland was stunned.
Iceland against Nigerian Power
Nigeria scored a 2-0 clean sheet win over Iceland. The match served as a stark reality check for Iceland’s dream of a knockout stage run. The Nigerian team scored at the 49 and 75 minute mark. Ahmed Musa scored both goals. The defeat was illustrative of Iceland’s weaknesses. They are long on heart and short on ability. Where the goals would come from has remained the top concern. Halldorsson is their best player. Scoring depth is nonexistent.
Croatia so Far
Croatia was touted as having the world’s best midfield corps. That sportsbook online asset has been verified at Russia. And the best of the best is Luka Modric. Modric scored in Croatia’s opening win over Nigeria. He then scored yet again in the win over Argentina. In fact, Modric was the best player on the pitch. Lionel Messi is touted as perhaps the greatest player on Earth. Yet he was rendered helpless against the Croats. The dominant performance of Modric and team is catching eyes.
Important Names in Croatia
Yet Croatia is more than just Modric. Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Rakitic, and Ivan Perisic further fortify the middle. Marcelo Brozovic gives Croatia an embarrassment of riches.
Luka Modric
Modric has evolved into one of the elite players in the world. He is firmly established as a generational midfielder. His goal against Argentina was among the best in the tournament so far. Any doubts about his ability as an impact player are now gone.
Matchup to Watch
Iceland has a spirt and togetherness that is highly impressive. But they lack actual ability. Croatia has proven to be a top shelf World Cup betting choice. And a team that is more than capable of winning it all. Their multiple weapons make them a threat against anyone they face. And that depth clearly outclasses Iceland. They lack the arsenal to stay with the Croats.
World Cup Betting Odds Picks
Croatia is too much for Iceland in this match.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: Croatia
World Cup Betting Online Score Prediction: Croatia 2, Iceland 0
Check out highlights of Croatia’s win over Argentina!