Argentina started off their 2018 FIFA World Cup on a pretty disappointing note as they were held by Iceland, a tiny nation with a population of 335,000. Lionel Messi and co huffed and puffed but could not find a way past the Icelanders as the game ended 1-1. Messi, in particular, cut a very frustrating figure as he saw his penalty saved in the second half. Next up for them is Croatia who ran out 2-0 winners against Nigeria and lead Group D with three points. Below are the relevant details of Argentina vs Croatia live telecast, free live streaming online details in addition to start-time, venue details and their team standings in 2018 FIFA World Cup Group D points table. 2018 FIFA World Cup Schedule in IST, Free PDF Download: Fixtures, Groups, Time Table in Indian Time with Match Scores & Venue Details of Football WC in Russia.

Jorge Sampaoli may opt for changes after seeing his team produce a dab draw in the opener. Marcos Rojo may make way for Gabriel Mercado of Sevilla. Angel Di Maria was poor against Iceland, but his experience may save him from getting axed from the starting eleven. Sergio Aguero was the only shining light for the Albiceleste in the last game, and he will be looking to be on the scoresheet again. Argentina knows anything less than three points will leave them vulnerable in the last game against Nigeria.

Croatia skipper Luka Modric who scored from the spot against Nigeria has spoken of his delight at playing such a high-octane game. He knows his side will qualify if they beat Argentina and although it may not be easy, a pegged back Argentina can be scalped for. Important news coming from their camp is that coach Zlatko Dalic has sent home back up striker Nikola Kalinic after he refused to come on against Nigeria in the closing stages of the match. This leaves them short in the attacking department although the impact of this decision cannot be gauged yet.

A lot hinges on Lionel Messi yet again as he is one player who can unlock defenses with ease. The little maestro has bailed his nation out several times in the past, and his team needs him more than ever to perform. Weaker Teams have often gone with the strategy to make themselves compact in the middle of the park against stronger opposition to stop their creative players come up with openings. This strategy worked well for Iceland, but surely Croatia are too good a side to go into a game with a negative approach. The more open the game, the more it will favour Argentina.

Argentina vs Croatia Football Match, Time and Schedule:

The match number 23 of 2018 FIFA World Cup between Argentina and Croatia of Group D will kick start at 11.30 pm IST. Fans in India, get the kick-off time right as the highly anticipated match will begin after France vs Peru, Group C match. Lionel Messi and Co. will take on Luka Modrić and side at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.

Argentina vs Croatia Football Match, Live Telecast in India available?

Sony Pictures Networks holds the broadcast rights of 2018 FIFA World Cup in India. Argentina vs Croatia match of Group D will be telecast on Sony Ten 2/Sony Ten 2 HD (English), Sony Ten 3/Sony Ten 3 HD (Hindi) and Sony ESPN (Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu) TV channels.

Argentina vs Croatia Football Match, Free Live Streaming Online available in India

If you are not able to tune in to television for whatever reasons, you can also catch Argentina vs Croatia World Cup 2018 match with the live streaming option available on Sony Liv. You can also catch up on the live updates of the match on LatestLY here. Argentina vs Croatia in Group D of 2018 FIFA World Cup Points Table: Argentina is placed third in the points table while Croatia is leading the team standings. It will be an exciting clash and can change the dynamics of the group.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 21, 2018 06:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).