Key battle
Lionel Messi v Dejan Lovren
Centre-back Lovren has pointed to Iceland's performance against Messi as evidence that it is possible to defend against the star forward, who has scored in each of his two previous appearances against Croatia.
TEAM NEWS
Jorge Sampaoli has not used the same starting line-up in 12 games in charge and is expected to dump the 4-2-3-1 used against Iceland while reverting to the 3-4-3 he abandoned late last year.
TEAM NEWS
Croatia are down to 22 men after striker Nikola Kalinic was sent home for refusing to come on as a substitute against Nigeria.
PLAYED
4
ARGENTINA
WINS 2
DRAWS 1
CROATIA
WINS 1
LAST MEETING
November 2014 friendly: Argentina 2-1
Pundits' pick
Sky Sports' Paul Merson: Argentina to win
The pressure is on Argentina - this is a tough game. Croatia are so strong in midfield. However, going forward Argentina have so much quality - I'll side with them.
BBC Sport's Mark Lawrenson: Argentina to win
(Iceland) was a little bit of a wake-up call for (Argentina) and Croatia's strength is also going forward, and they have quality in midfield too.That's why I am expecting a more open game - and I am also expecting Argentina to win.
