Croatia beat Iceland 2 -1 on Tuesday night to secure qualification from Group D and into the knockout stages. Does the World Cup have new dark horses?
It rounds off a flawless group campaign from Croatia, who won all three of their group games. Perhaps most notable of these wins was a 3 – 0 demolition of Argentina. However, Argentina have shown themselves to be struggling.
A win against Iceland was arguably more impressive, considering there were a whopping nine changes made to the team.
The loss for Iceland means that they are eliminated at the group stage. In their first World Cup, it’s the first time they’ve been eliminated in the group stages of a major tournament.
After Euro 2016, Iceland were many people’s favored underdogs and many will be disappointed to see them go. Ultimately it was the bad luck of being drawn in a group with Argentina and Croatia that told for them. Although, their 1 – 1 draw with Argentina was impressive.
However, the 2 – 1 loss to Nigeria took it out of their hands. It was always going to be an uphill task against a Croatia side full of quality.
Dark Horses
Although England are tipped as dark horses for the World Cup, Croatia may be a better bet.
England are currently 9/1 to win the World Cup with Paddy Power. Croatia come in with slightly longer odds at 14/1.
The England hype train is in full flow after their 6 – 1 win over Panama, their biggest in World Cup history. However, a canny punter would favour Croatia, particularly with those longer odds.
Croatia have, quietly and efficiently, gone about their business in the group stage. Three wins from three is hard to argue with, especially considering the teams they have faced.
They beat Argentina, who have the potential to be the world’s best. Nigeria, who have looked dangerous in all their games couldn’t get past them. As well as that, Iceland, who knocked England out of the Euros, are no pushovers.
It’s contrasting opposition to that which England have faced. England laboured to a 2-1 victory over Tunisia before facing Panama. While a five goal victory is impressive, Panama are amateur quality at best.
The only other team worthy of a ‘dark horse’ tag is Uruguay. Paddy Power has them at 25/1 to win the tournament.
