Mitch Freeley

You can watch the stream of Iceland Vs Croatia Live & Exclusive on beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

Live Updates

Ivan Perisic's late goal ensured Croatia topped World Cup Group D with maximum points as they knocked out a resilient Iceland with a 2-1 win in Rostov-on-Don.

Gylfi Sigurdsson's 76th-minute penalty gave Iceland hope of mounting a comeback following Milan Badelj's opener, but Perisic made sure of the points for Croatia in the dying embers.

Croatia will now meet Denmark in the round of 16 in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday, while Iceland's maiden appearance at a World Cup comes to an end despite their best efforts to mount a comeback.

Badelj - who had previously rattled the woodwork - marked his first start of the tournament with a thumping 53rd-minute opener.

Sverrir Ingason rattled the bar with a header in response for Iceland, but the only way they could beat Croatia goalkeeper on his superb World Cup bow came from the spot.

Sigurdsson missed a penalty in Iceland's defeat to Nigeria on matchday two, but made no mistake this time with a finish high into the net after Dejan Lovren had handled in the area.

But Iceland's fighting spirit ultimately proved for nothing, Perisic securing a third successive win for Croatia, who will be joined in the last 16 by Argentina following their dramatic win over Nigeria.

Goals/ Highlights! 

Perisic at the death! Croatia has won it! Gutting for Iceland! 

Sigurðsson levels up for Iceland

Badelj gives Croatia the lead with a tidy finish! 

Preview

Iceland needs a victory, and hope that Nigeria can stifle Argentina in order to make the round of sixteen in their first ever World Cup appearance, and will be taking on a Croatia side who have booked their place in the knockout phases. 

After impressing in their opening encounter against Argentina, and gaining a credible 1-1 draw, the tiny European nation changed formation to a 4-4-2 for their second game against Nigeria which ultimately backfired. Now Iceland’s only hope of progressing is to beat Croatia and score plenty of goals in the process and maintain their better goal difference of Argentina. 

In team news, Ragnar Sigurdsson is an injury doubt after being forced off the pitch against Nigeria while Johann Berg Gudmundsson is suffering from a torn muscle. 

Despite missing a penalty against Nigeria, Everton playmaker Gylfi Sigurðsson is still the main goal threat for the side. He’ll be eager to avenge his penalty miss against the African side and fire Iceland into the round of sixteen. 

Midfielder Rúrik Gíslason also impressed in the defeat to Nigeria, the SV Sandhausen forward has gained plenty of fans not only for his attacking play. Gíslason has gained a cult following from female fans of the beautiful game and his Instagram account recently hit 1million followers. Iceland fans will be hoping that all the attention won’t have gone to the 30-years old head and that he can focus on the Croatians.  

Iceland Predicted Team
Haldorsson; Magnusson, Sigurdsson, Arnason, Saevarsson, Giaslason; Bjarnason, Sigurdsson, Gunnarsson; Finnbogason, Bodvarsson.

How to watch Online- beIN SPORTS CONNECT
TV Channel- MAX HD3
Kick-off- 21:00
Stadium- Rostov Arena, Rostov-On-Don

Croatia has already cruised into the round of sixteen and is likely to rest some key players ahead of the round of sixteen. Zlatko Dalić’s side put Argentina to the sword in swashbuckling style in what arguably was the performance of the second round of group games. 

With seven players on one booking away from a ban it is likely that Ivan Rakitic, Ante Rabic, Sime Vrsaljko, Mario Mandzukic, Marcelo Brozovic and Vedran Corluka will be rested. Whilst Luka Modric who has been the star of the side is also rumoured to be rested for the game. 

One player set to start is Ivan Perišić, the Inter Milan attacker looked impressive against Argentina and his pace and delivery from the wings will be a useful asset for the Croatians who are aiming to win their third consecutive group game. 

Croatia Predicted team
Kalinic; Jedvaj, Corluka, Caleta-Car, Pivaric; Bradaric, Badelj, Pjaca, Kovacic; Perisic, Kramaric

It promises to be a fascinating encounter as Iceland will be looking to register their first ever World Cup win, and potentially make a historic leap to the round of sixteen.  Watch the Live & Exclusive stream of the game on MAX HD3 & beIN SPORTS CONNECT.