How Argentina can still qualify | The Daily Star
05:38 AM, June 22, 2018 / LAST MODIFIED: 09:40 AM, June 22, 2018

How Argentina can still qualify

A demoralising 3-0 loss to Croatia has certainly taken the wind out of Argentina's sails, but La Albiceleste can still qualify for the round of 16 if a few things go their way.

As the table currently stands, Croatia have six points from two games while Argentina have one point from as many games. Iceland and Nigeria, who face off today, have one point and zero points respectively.

Given the current state of things, qualification for Argentina is still possible, but only under certain conditions beyond their control.

Teams qualify based on number of points. If that is equal then goal difference is taken into account, following which is goals scored.

If those are tied then the head to head stats are looked at. However, since Argentina and Iceland's game ended in a tie, these will have no bearing.

The penultimate method of deciding who goes through is the fair play (whoever has less yellow and red cards) method.

If everything is equal after all of that then lots are drawn.

Argentina's path to the round of 16 would become straightforward if Iceland were to lose both their remaining games. In that case, Messi and Co must simply beat Nigeria to advance.

They can also advance if the following three things happen:

  • Iceland tie or lose to Nigeria.
  • Croatia then beat or tie against Iceland.
  • Argentina beat Nigeria.

However, if Iceland win one of their remaining games, then Argentina must also win and ensure they finish with a higher goal difference.

Given that Argentina's goal difference is currently -3, if Iceland win by one goal, then Argentina must score six goals against Nigeria to advance on goal difference.


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