6. From the dentist's to the dugout

Much was made of Heimir Hallgrimsson’s role as a part-time dentist following Iceland’s shock victory over England at Euro 2016. After spending five years as Lars Lagerbäck’s assistant, 50-year-old Hallgrimsson is now the main man in charge of the national team. Now he must find a way to stop Lionel Messi on June 16.

Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson of Iceland chews over his tactics

7. One In, One Out

Argentina went through three managers during qualifying - the same number they had from 1974 to 1994. Following Gerardo Martino’s resignation and Edgardo Bauza’s dismissal, former Chile manager Jorge Sampaoli managed to salvage La Albiceleste’s place in Russia. Just. Sampaoli at least has a contract until 2022 so the Argentine FA may not be so quick to wield the axe this time.

8. Out at the first hurdle

Croatia have failed to make it past the group stages since their tournament debut in 1998, when the Vatreni made it all the way to the semi-finals. Since then, Croatia have won just two matches at the 2002, 2006 and 2014 tournaments combined.

9. Thrown in at the deep end

Nigeria goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa was handed the number one jersey by manager Gernot Rohr, following Carl Ikeme’s decision to stop playing after being diagnosed with leukaemia. Ezenwa, 29, has never played for a club outside his homeland and is likely to face the challenge of trying to keep Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain at bay when the Super Eagles face Argentina on June 26. Good luck Ikechukwu.

10. Keep it clean

Argentina received the most yellow cards in a competitive CONMEBOL qualifying group (48) – four more than Venezuela and Bolivia. Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi picked up seven of those bookings, more than any other player.