16:00 BST, Friday 22nd June, Volgograd Arena, (Volgograd), BBC Advertisement Iceland, unexpected darlings of Euro 2016, appear ready to play the same role at their first World Cup. Representing the smallest nation ever to appear in a World Cup, Iceland drew 1-1 with Lionel Messi's Argentina on Saturday in Moscow. 'Keeper Hannes Halldorsson's perfectly guessed stop of Messi's penalty in the 64th minute was the highlight of the match and perhaps the greatest moment in the Icelandic nation's history. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach Now, Iceland shift their focus to Nigeria, who did little right in a listless 2-0 loss to Croatia on Saturday at Kaliningrad. Based on both side's previous performances, Strákarnir okkar might be poised to take the next step - their first World Cup victory. Nigeria, meanwhile, must improve their futile attack and young defence that was exploited on set-pieces. The only other meeting between these teams came in 1981, a friendly that went 3-0 to Iceland. Last Time Out Croatia 2-0 Nigeria Poor defence on a pair of Croatia corners ultimately undid Nigeria in their World Cup opener. Advertisement Luka Modric's corner was headed by two teammates in the 32nd minute, then deflected off Nigeria's Oghenekaro Etebo for the first goal. In the 71st minute, Modric again was involved as he converted a penalty after William Troost-Ekong carelessly took Mario Mandzukic down in the box off another Croatia corner. REUTERS/Matthew Childs Manager Gernot Rohr took the blame for those set-piece struggles, hinting he did not prepare his youthful backline enough. Read more on Nigeria's tactical wrongdoings against Croatia HERE. ﻿The Super Eagles did little offensively, managing two shots on target, but that could have been more the result of Rohr's poorly positioned lineup with Arsenal's Alex Iwobi on the wing and John Obi Mikel higher in the midfield. Nigeria have now failed to win their last four World Cup openers. Argentina 1-1 Iceland The physical play that Iceland displayed in tying Portugal and beating England en route to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 was back against Argentina. They harassed Messi often, but allowed Sergio Aguero to score his first World Cup goal in the 19th minute. Advertisement REUTERS/Albert GeaFour minutes later, however, the Iceland faithful in the stadium, and back home, erupted when Alfred Finnbogason pounced on Willy Caballero's rebound to level the match with their first World Cup goal. How much of Iceland's draw was down to their greatness? Read more HERE. Though Argentina held 72 percent of the possession, not surprising to manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, Iceland stuck with their plan and did exactly what they wanted they to do: collectively defend the Argentine attack, especially after Messi's failed attempt from the spot. Nigeria Lineup Playing on his birthday, lone striker Odion Ighalo was isolated up front and managed just one shot on target. Ighalo, who was replaced by Kelechi Iheanacho, hasn't scored for the national team since September 2017. Rohr, apparently, has finally seen enough of Ighalo, who could be headed to the bench as Iheanacho and fellow Saturday sub Ahmed Musa will play up front with Iwobi and Victor Moses on the outside. ﻿ click to enlarge + 2 Rohr considers the Croatia loss a learning experience for his defence, and expects them to rise to the occasion in this contest. Iceland Lineup When Iceland moved forward against Argentina, they looked dangerous. They should be more apt to do that against Nigeria whilst looking to further exploit a backline that was disorganised versus Croatia. Advertisement click to enlarge + 2 Johann Berg Gudmundsson left just after the hour mark to an injury so his fitness level for Friday may be tested. Key Battle: Alfred Finnbogason (Iceland) vs Leon Balogun (Nigeria) Halldorsson might have been the Man of the Match against Argentina, but Alfred Finnbogason is feeling it with three goals in as many matches. Advertisement His historic goal against Messi and friends solidified his hero status back home, but for Iceland, it was a sign that their striker is in top form and ready to have an impact in Russia. He also did the little things, demonstrated by winning four aerial duels and making two key passes. REUTERS/Carl Recine The Augsburg man could have an even bigger impact as Iceland may press forward more on Friday than they did against Argentina, even though Nigeria are expected to offer a more attack-minded starting XI. At age 29, Balogun is the elder of Nigeria's backline that started against the Croatia and could be intact for this matchup despite their issues Saturday. Though injury left his availability for the opener in doubt, Balogun started and delivered a serviceable effort by winning four balls in the air and blocking two shots. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson His presence in central defence will be just as important against Iceland, especially on set-pieces - as the Super Eagles look to improve their play in the box - and in terms of looking after the more reckless William Troost-Ekong. Talking Points A matter of maturity Advertisement Even if Rohr's lineup changes are more appealing to the attack, the Nigerians still have to show they want to be in Russia to compete and not show off their nifty kits and travelling white suits and hats. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson The youth factor - average age of 25.9 - should not be an excuse. They've now had the taste of a World Cup match in 2018, the nerves should be settled and the focus refined. Rohr can get as tactical as he wants, but Nigeria must show more passion and urgency - the latter which was severely lacking against Croatia - in this match. If not, their Word Cup stay will be brief. Keep doing what they do Should we really be surprised with anything the Icelandic warriors do? They've proven in the European Championships and through qualifying for this tournament they are capable of success. The World Cup is just another opportunity and the odds against them don't really matter. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov Drawing with Argentina just solidified Iceland's past accomplishments and their place as a knockout stage contender. Their discipline and professional approach to the game is impeccable.<doc-sep>Sports News of Friday, 22 June 2018 Source: www.ghanaweb.com Our second game of the day features Africa reps Nigeria and tournament rookies Iceland. Nigeria will have the support of an entire continent behind them when they come up against Iceland, a country that managed a point against Messi’s Argentina. Iceland stunned the world when they drew 1-1 with Argentina and are full of confidence going into the game against Nigeria. Nigeria, on the other hand, succumbed to 2-0 loss to Croatia and must avoid a loss today in order not to become the third African nation to be kicked out of the tournament. Iceland coach, Heimir Hallgrimsson expects the Super Eagles to come out firing. "This is a must-win game for Nigeria and that makes it a little bit psychologically different, they have to win. This group is going to be decided in the last minutes, in the last game. It's going to be down to some margins, a set piece, and a goal in injury time. This is how this group is going to be played, he said. Head coach Gernot Rohr says his side will not lose today "We will not lose this game so I do not answer this question. You can ask this question again after the game, but I will tell you we will not lose," he said. Oghenekaro Etebo could be replaced for Vice-captain Ogenyi Onanzi after he conceded the own goal against Croatia and striker Musa could also have a place in the starting XI. Iceland will expect to be without the services of Johann Berg Gudmundsson, who sustained a muscle injury in the opening fixture against Argentina. Stay here for live updates<doc-sep>Iceland's well-wishes to Nigeria keeper please Super Eagles FIFA World Cup 2018 A gesture by the Iceland team in sending best wishes to Nigeria keeper Carl Ikeme, who is being treated for leukaemia, has gone down well with the Super Eagles ahead of their World Cup encounter in Volgograd on Friday. The 32-year-old Wolverhampton Wanderers keeper was the national team's first-choice and has been named as an unregistered '24th member' of the Nigeria World Cup squad after he was unable to be chosen because of his cancer treatment. Ahead of the Group D game on Friday, Iceland players sent their best wishes to Ikeme, with Ikeme's name imprinted on the number 1 jersey of Iceland. A photo of Iceland's players was posted on the Instagram account of former Wolves striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, who is shown holding up the jersey. "It's a nice gesture from them," said 19-year-old keeper Francis Uzoho, who earned his first cap for the Super Eagles late last year in Ikeme's absence. "The gesture comes from the squad and obviously Bodvarsson who used to play with him at Wolverhampton," Iceland captain Aron Gunnarsson said. "I'm wishing him all the best from the squad, and it just shows that football is one big family that will stick together." Iceland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson agreed: "It is a big family. Even though we are playing against him, of course, this is just much bigger than football. We wish him all the best."<doc-sep>It says plenty about Iceland’s remarkable upward trajectory that if the World Cup 2018’s smallest-ever nation were to defeat Nigeria, the so-called ‘Giant of Africa’, in Friday’s Group D fixture on the banks of the River Volga, there would be few eyebrows raised. This is the view of Lars Lagerbäck, co-coach of the Iceland side who stunned England at Euro 2016, who sees no reason why his old team cannot take their thunder-clapping followers on a similar ride in Russia following their opening 1-1 draw with Argentina. “When it comes to Iceland I would never say I’d be surprised,” said Lagerbäck. “They at least look as good as they did when I worked with them in 2016.” “They have more experience, have both the physical and mental strength and are one of the best-organised teams and with that you always have a chance of beating the big guns,” he added of the team who would move three points clear of Argentina with a victory, leaving the South Americans on the brink of elimination – and Iceland with a foot in the second round. Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Show all 22 1 /22 Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Willy Caballero 5/10 Did not look particularly comfortable at any stage of the game and like the rest of the defence a bit haphazard at times - susceptible for the first goal. Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Eduardo Salvio 6/10 A rather uninspiring performance - not much to say either negatively or positively. AFP/Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Nicolas Otamendi 6/10 A strong presence but has also got a mistake and chaotic decision in him. Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Marcos Rojo 5/10 Doesn’t appear to be at full fitness. Hasn’t been in the first team at Manchester United for most of the season and it showed with Finnbogason running him ragged. Did, inadvertently, set up Argentina’s only goal, mind. Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Nicolas Tagliafico 6/10 A very reasonable display and looked okay going forward with a cleverly flicked header. AFP/Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Javier Mascherano 7/10 Showed a good range of passing but a bit leggy. AFP/Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Lucas Biglia 7/10 Looked good in stages, had a couple of threatening moments and linked up the play nicely. Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Maximiliano Meza 6/10 A few histrionic moments but a relatively decent performance in general and made the run for the penalty. Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Lionel Messi 6/10 Not the main man today, but good at what he did. Always looks a threat and tested the keeper enough times BUT, importantly, missed the golden opportunity provided to him with another penalty miss. AFP/Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Angel Di Maria 5/10 Looked good in stages, had a couple of threatening moments and linked up the play nicely. AFP/Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Sergio Aguero 8/10 Fabulous play for the opening goal to give himself the space. General play was reasonable but doesn’t matter when you can produce moments of magic. Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Hannes Þór Halldórsson 9/10 Strong and decisive (unlike his opposite number), making saves when called upon and saved the penalty from Messi. Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Birkir Már Sævarsson 7/10 A good and competent display, part of an organised unit. AFP/Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Kári Árnason 7/10 A key figure in iceland’s defence looked at ease defending against some of the world’s best talent. AFP/Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Ragnar Sigurðsson 8/10 Crucial interceptions and a threat going forwards as well. Can be proud of his performance. Getty Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Hörður Björgvin Magnússon 6/10 A steady if unspectacular game but a big part of Iceland’s defensive block in general. AFP/Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings JB Gudmundsson 7/10 Played a big part for Burnley this year in helping them qualify for Europa League and was equally instrumental today before his injury on the hour mark. AFP/Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Aron Gunnarsson 6/10 Not his best game, but not bad. Maybe we can blame the ref for standing on his heel. Still led the team with vigour. AFP/Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Emil Hallfreðsson 7/10 Strong performance in general and some threatening long-throws. AFP/Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Birkir Bjarnason 6/10 The Aston Villa man who opened Iceland’s account at Euro 2016 squandered the chance to do so here but a generally good performance. Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Gylfi Sigurðsson 8/10 Iceland’s best known player didn’t let down his team today, creating chances and showed Iceland’s coolness on the ball. AFP/Getty Images Argentina vs Iceland - player ratings Alfreð Finnbogason 9/10 Led the line like a true number 9 (despite being a no.11) but scored the goal and looked a menace throughout. AFP/Getty Images An Iceland win would also eliminate Nigeria and Lagerbäck, speaking to The Independent, can comment with some authority on the west African nation too given that he coached them at the 2010 finals – and has his former assistant, Roland Andersson, still scouting for Iceland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. According to Lagerbäck, Nigeria – a country with an official population over 500 times greater than Iceland’s 334,000 – the job of coaching Nigeria could not be more different than working in Iceland. “They’re the opposite,” said the Swede. “It’s not only the size of the country. It’s the way of playing football. It’s more from the individual. But they have potential. Roland Andersson, who I worked with, scouted Nigeria and he thinks they have really good players. You have to be on your toes even if they didn’t play a good first game.”<doc-sep>
UPDATE: Nigeria have announced their lineup. Nigeria XI vs Iceland: Uzoho; Omeruo, Balogun, Ekong, Idowu; Etebo, Ndidi; Moses, Mikel, Musa; Iheanacho. The 2018 World Cup hasn't been kind to many African teams so far and Nigeria need a win to stay in the hunt for a spot in the knockout stages. Egypt and Morocco have already been eliminated while Tunisia have work to do. Only Senegal have kicked off their campaign with a win. Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr has brought a youthful squad to Russia with more than half the squad aged 25 and under. Only four players are in their 30s. It looks more like a team being blooded for the 2022 World Cup rather than going far in this edition. The Super Eagles have it all to do, though, if they want to reach the Round of 16. They did manage to qualify for the knockout stages in Brazil in 2014 but a fifth game at a World Cup continues to remain elusive for the three-time African champions. A 2-0 loss to Croatia in the first game was hard to take but judging by the way the Croatians destroyed Argentina 3-0, Nigeria can gain some confidence ahead of the next two games. And Nigeria coach Rohr is confident his young side can get all three points against Iceland. "For me, it's no question to lose, I don’t think we'll lose, so I don’t ask this question myself," Rohr answered when questioned how a defeat could impact his future. "You can ask me again after the game, but I tell you we will not lose." - Gernot Rohr Iceland are no pushovers. They are not even considered underdogs even though this is their first World Cup while this is Nigeria's sixth. Their 1-1 draw with Iceland underlined their credentials as a force to be reckoned with at this tournament. How will Nigeria line up against Iceland? Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr (L) is confident of a good result against Iceland There is a possibility that Rohr will name the same starting lineup that started against Croatia. The 6 ft 5 in Francis Uzoho will continue to start in goal. "I don't let the history get to me," Uzoho said on Thursday. "I know what Nigerians expect from goalkeepers." Nigeria are expected to play with a 4-2-3-1 formation - the same formation they used against Croatia. William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun could start in central defence with Abdullahi Shehu at right-back and Brian Idowu at left-back. The double-pivot in front of them will see Las Palmas midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo and Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi paired together in midfield. John Obi Mikel, who usually plays as a central midfielder, will play in the no.10 role again. On either side of him in attacking midfield will be Arsenal's Alex Iwobi and Chelsea's Victor Moses. The two players will be tasked with advancing the ball and being the creative force for the side. Iwobi is more effective through the centre but he was asked to drift wide against Croatia which saw him struggle. If he is tasked with drifting in, Nigeria have a good chance to score. Up front will be Odion Ighalo. Nigeria XI and Formation Nigeria's probable starting lineup vs Iceland Note: This article will be updated with the confirmed starting lineups. Who do you think will win this game? Let us know in the comments below.