Croatia and Nigeria lock horns in search of a positive outcome

It will be the first time the two sides will be meeting each other.

Respectively knocked out in the group stage and Round of 16 four years ago, Croatia and Nigeria open their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia campaigns against one another in Kaliningrad on 16 June. The first meeting between the countries promises to be a cracker.

Considering the calibre of the four teams involved, fortune is likely to favour the brave in Group D. Moreover, Croatia and Nigeria are equally accustomed to playing on the front foot, so both are sure to take the initiative with a view to kick-starting their campaign. As a result, entertainment looks guaranteed.

Croatia can take heart from their only World Cup match against an African country to date. That was at Brazil 2014, where the Vatreni put four goals past Cameroon without reply to record what was their last victory on the global stage.

However, the Super Eagles can also draw on fond memories, in their case of their most recent encounter against Balkan opposition. Their sole win in their last six World Cup meetings with UEFA representatives came against none other than a nation from the former Yugoslavia: a 1-0 success against Bosnia-Herzegovina four years ago.

Team Reporter Analysis

Vjekoslav Paun (Croatia)

The atmosphere at the Croatia camp in Roshchino had been light-hearted, but a sense of quiet focus has taken hold in recent hours. The time has come for this golden generation of Croatian footballers to shine. There remains some uncertainty among fans and journalists regarding how the team will line up, leading to a frenzy of speculation. The main question marks hang over the left-back spot, although Ivan Strinic is being tipped to get the nod, and the role that will be handed to the versatile forward Andrej Kramaric.