This year, you could make a strong case for Group D, which will play host to an array of talent from Argentina, Croatia, Nigeria and Iceland. Here are 10 facts about the group and what you can expect when the sides go head-to-head in Russia.  

1. Scraping through

Argentina and Croatia may be the favourites to progress from Group D, but neither nation qualified for Russia in the most convincing fashion. The latter came through a two-legged play-off with Greece, while La Albiceleste would have missed out on the tournament if it wasn’t for a Lionel Messi hat-trick against Ecuador in October. In contrast, underdogs Nigeria and Iceland (who were in the same group as Croatia) finished top of their respective qualifying groups. All to play for then.

2. Size matters not

Iceland became the smallest ever nation to qualify for a World Cup, with a population of approximately 335,000. The previous smallest nation to reach the finals was Trinidad and Tobago in 2006, with a population of 1.3 million.

3. Déjà vu

For the third World Cup in succession, Argentina and Nigeria have been paired in the same group. In 2014, La Albiceleste prevailed 3-2 in a thrilling contest, while in 2010, Gabriel Heinze’s header was enough to separate the two sides. The Super Eagles were also beaten 1-0 by their South American rivals at the 2002 tournament. Keep trying lads.

Nigeria v Argentina face off at the 2014 World Cup

4. Bold Move

For the third qualifying campaign in a row, Croatia changed their manager ahead of a crucial game – and, to be fair, it worked. Zlatko Dalic needed a result away in Ukraine to secure a play-off spot, just three days after replacing Ante Cacic. The Vatreni won 2-0 courtesy of an Andrej Kramaric double. What was all the fuss about?

5. Super Eagles flying high

Nigeria were the first African nation to qualify for Russia on October 7, 2017, after Alex Iwobi’s second-half winner secured a 1-0 victory over Zambia. The Super Eagles also defeated Cameroon and Algeria to win a tough qualifying group, meaning Nigeria have now qualified for six of the last seven World Cup finals. Consistent.