Matchday 13 of the 2018 World Cup sees Nigeria looking to join Croatia in the last 16 and set up a meeting with either Denmark or France, who meet in Moscow this afternoon.
Group C is almost sorted as far as who is moving on is concerned, with ‘Les Bleus’ having already qualified and the ‘Danish Dynamite’ needing only a draw.
However, their game at the Luzhniki Stadium has been given extra impetus, both by the fact that top spot in the group is up for grabs, and the clash will have some spice in it after Denmark coach Age Hareide made some choice comments about French players such as Paul Pogba.
The other Group C match is between Australia and Peru which will be played simultaneously at the Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi. The ‘Socceroos’ will need to win (and have France beat Denmark) to have any chance of a late surge into the next round.
The evening games takes place in Group D and see Argentina looking to save their tournament in a match against Nigeria in St Petersburg.
‘La Albiceleste’ must beat the ‘Super Eagles’ to have any chance of qualifying – and even that may not be enough, depending on the outcome of the other group game between Iceland and Croatia (who have already secured a last 16 berth) in Rostov-on-Don.
As for the West Africans, a draw would probably be enough to clinch progression to the knockout rounds, but coach Gernot Rohr has emphasised that his side will go for the jugular against the wounded Argentines.
Matchday 13, Tuesday 26 June – Fixtures
Group C – Denmark v France – Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, LIVE on Supersport 3 from 2:45pm
Group C – Australia v Peru – Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi, LIVE on Supersport 4 from2:45pm
Group D – Nigeria v Argentina – Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg, LIVE on Supersport 3 from 6:45pm
Group D – Iceland v Croatia – Rostov Arena, Rostov-on-Don, LIVE on Supersport 4 from 6:45pm
Wednesday World Cup action on SuperSport sees the culmination of Groups E and F.
It’s all to play for in both groups as three nations, in both groups, are still in it for a spot in the knockout stages.
In Group E, Switzerland need a draw against already eliminated Costa Rica while it’s a straight shootout between Serbia and Brazil for the other spot.
In Group F however, things are not so clear cut. Leaders Mexico needs a draw against Sweden to secure a spot in the last 16. Defeat could see them loose out on goal difference should Germany also win against South Korea.
For Sweden, they need to beat Mexico by three unanswered goals to qualify. For Germany on the other hand, they need to win by a healthy margin and then also rely on Mexico not losing heavily against Sweden or not losing at all.
A 3-0 victory for Sweden could also play in their favour provided they beat South Korea.
In the SuperSport studio for this round of matches is Dwight Yorke, Samson Siasia and Owen Hargreaves.
