Croatia game crucial for Argentina – Mercado

Argentina defender Gabriel Mercado admitted his team ’ s World Cup hopes will be

on the line in Thursday ’ s second group game against Croatia .

Lionel Messi missed a penalty as Argentina were held to a surprise 1- 1 draw by

tournament debutants Iceland in their Group D opener at the weekend .

Croatia lead the group after a 2- 0 victory over Nigeria and would seal their place

in the knockout stages with a win against Argentina in Nizhny Novgorod.

“ The reality is that this game is crucial for us , knowing we weren ’ t able to get the three points the other day , ” said Mercado . “ This is a vital game . We need

to win to go ahead of them .” The Sevilla player highlighted Spain - based midfield duo Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic as he dangermen for Zlatko Dalic ’ s side .

“ We know that Croatia has those two players in the centre who have good control

of the ball . They try to take a lead role too and they have other very good players.

“ They ’ re a difficult team , very dangerous. We already knew that when the draw

was made . I imagine it will be a tough game , hard fought and we ’ll try to take

control . I think it ’ s going to be a very even match .”

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli was blasted by Diego Maradona after the Iceland

game , with the 1986 World Cup winner warning he would not be welcome back

home unless he changes his tactics .

Paris Saint - Germain winger Angel Di Maria could be dropped after a quiet

performance , with Cristian Pavon in line to replace him in the starting team .

Mercado is also in contention to start as Sampaoli while Giovani Lo Celso

or Ever Banega could be selected ahead of Lucas Biglia in midfield