ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia, June 26, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Croatia coach Zlatko
Dalic made nine changes for Tuesday’s final Group D game in Rostov against
Iceland, who must win to stand a chance of progressing.
Only Croatia captain Luka Modric and winger Ivan Perisic keep their place
from the side that stunned Argentina 3-0 in the last game to clinch their
spot in the next round.
Croatia need a point in Rostov to make certain of top place in Group D and
a last 16-clash against Denmark.
Iceland’s Heimir Hallgrimsson hands defender Sverrir Ingason — substitute
against Nigeria — a starting place while Emil Hallfredsson returns in
midfield.
The Nordic side must claim a first-ever World Cup victory in Rostov and
depend on a favourable result in the other tie to advance as runners-up.
Even if Iceland win, Argentina could still go through if they beat Nigeria.
Croatia
Lovre Kalinic; Tin Jedvaj, Vedran Corluka, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Pivaric;
Milan Badelj, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric; Marko Pjaca, Andrej Kramaric, Ivan
Perisic
Coach: Zlatko Dalic (CRO)
Iceland
Hannes Halldorsson; Birkir Saevarsson, Sverrir Ingason, Ragnar Sigurdsson,
Hordur Magnusson; Johann Gudmundsson, Aron Gunnarsson, Emil Hallfredsson,
Birkir Bjarnason; Gylfi Sigurdsson; Alfred Finnbogason
Coach: Heimir Hallgrimsson (ISL)
Referee: Antonio Mateu (ESP)