How Messi’s Argentina can qualify for knock-out round

It was a night to forget in the FIFA World Cup 2018 for Argentina as they were handed a 3-0 defeat by Croatia in Nizhniy Novgorod on Friday.
The 2014 runners-up looked completely helpless against a disciplined Croatian side who dominated proceedings for the majority of the game and goals from Ante Rebic, skipper Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic handed Argentina their biggest first round loss since 1958, reports hindustantimes.com.
Thanks to the heavy defeat, Argentina are currently last in Group D with just one point from two matches. However, they are not out of the tournament yet and Lionel Messi’s team can still reach the knock-out stages of FIFA World Cup 2018 with a win over Nigeria and favourable results in the other group stage matches.
Here’s a look at how Argentina can reach the Round of 16 stage of FIFA World Cup 2018—
If Iceland beat Nigeria: Argentina will have to beat Nigeria and hope that Croatia beat Iceland in their last group stage encounter. At present, both Argentina and Iceland have one point each but a win will take Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side to a favourable position.
In that scenario, Argentina’s qualification will come down to goal difference if they can beat Nigeria and on the other hand, Iceland will have to face a heavy defeat against group leaders Croatia.
If Iceland and Nigeria draw: Argentina need a win against Nigeria and Iceland will have to either draw or lose against Croatia in their last group stage game.
If Nigeria beat Iceland: Argentina will have to beat Nigeria and hope that Iceland either draw or lose to Croatia in the other game. However, if Iceland wins their last game, the battle for the second spot will come down to goal difference and that means Argentina (-3) will have to register a big win over Nigeria.