World Cup 2018: 4 bold predictions for the group stage

#4 Croatia will pip Argentina for top spot

Argentina vs Croatia is one of the most eagerly anticipated group stage matches this year

Lionel Messi will be thinking that this is his opportunity, his chance to make things right. He lost three cup finals before with Argentina and he seems desperate to win a trophy at an international level. Messi is undoubtedly the talisman for the blue and white striped side. His monstrous performances in Brazil got them to the final, but he just couldn't get them over the finish line. This year, there will be even more pressure for Messi to deliver.

He was the one who single-handedly spared his country's blushes as they barely managed to qualify. He is the glue that sticks everyone together. He will have the added burden of pressure on him to do so well and repeat his feats from 2014. Without him, Argentina look lost. Despite the astonishing level of talent in the team beyond Messi, they have been poor together. They mix together worse than the English 'Golden Generation' ever did.

They will have tricky opposition in the form of Croatia, Nigeria and Iceland. While Nigeria could provide a challenge for Argentina after battering them in a recent friendly, Croatia will be their biggest rivals in the group. A well-rounded team filled with experience, ability and simplicity, the Croats will hope to make a major mark on the World Cup. And they could start by beating Messi and co. for first place in the group stage.