There are many reasons that make Group D of 2018 FIFA World Cup intriguing for the fans, but none is greater than Lionel Messi, whose Argentina side is a part of it and giving them company are Iceland, Croatia and Nigeria. Messi, who lost the final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, will look to open his account with the national team with time running away from the player considered arguably the greatest of all time. Iceland is scaling mountains in International football and after a good Euro campaign; qualification for the World Cup in Russia is indeed huge. Nigeria and Croatia are World Cup regulars and have a wealth of experience playing at the highest level. Group D of the 2018 FIFA World Cup will see six fixtures take place from 16 to 26 June 2018. Here’s a look at 2018 FIFA World Cup Group D schedule timetable including match dates, venues, and kick-off time. 2018 FIFA World Cup Schedule in IST for PDF Download: Fixtures, Groups, Time Table with Matches in Indian Time & Venue Details of Football WC in Russia.

Argentina, after enduring a tough World Cup qualification campaign finally made it to the main event in Russia. Although their form in the friendlies has been up and down, the talent in the squad makes them one of the favourites for the cup. Argentina’s problem has always been the big names don’t click as a team, and there is too much dependency on Messi. But if the likes of Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria gel and play to their potential, anything is possible. Their strongest competitors in the group are the Croatians who also have quality. Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic absolutely boss the midfield and if they avoid unforced errors, Round of 16 beckons.

Iceland has been the surprise package of World football in the last three years or so with their mesmerising support and passion for the game. They knocked out England in the Euros, which is enough to showcase they are capable of playing good football. Nigeria, one of the big names of African football is participating in their sixth World Cup. Their fans around the world have high hopes from some of the EPL stars like Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho to come good in Russia. Nigeria has previous experience of Round of 16 which is vital for their confidence.

Group D of 2018 FIFA World Cup Timetable: List of Matches with Kick-off Times

Sr. No. Date Matches Kick-Off Times Venue
1. June 16 Argentina vs Iceland 6.30 pm IST Spartak Stadium,Moscow
2. June 17 Croatia vs Nigeria 12.30 am IST Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad
3. June 21 Argentina vs Croatia 11.30 pm IST Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod
4. June 22 Nigeria vs Iceland 8.30 pm IST Volgograd Arena, Volgograd
5. June 26 Nigeria vs Argentina 11.30 pm IST Saint Petersburg Stadium,

Saint Petersburg
6. June 26 Iceland vs Croatia 11.30 pm IST Rostov Arena,

Rostov-On-Don

Group D Prediction

Argentina and Croatia should be the two qualifying nations from this group with both sides having a lot of quality and experience in their ranks. Croatia, though, will need to show a lot of character for this scenario to become a reality. The match between these two sides may also decide which team tops the group. Nigeria will go down fighting and should defeat Iceland on their way who unfortunately will find it extremely difficult to grab even a point. Teams that progress from the Group – Argentina and Croatia.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 11, 2018 11:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).