The highly-anticipated World Cup tournament draws closer by the day. The June 14 kick-off isn't too far, meaning we only have a few weeks left before the most prestigious football competitions begins.
One of the groups destined to light up the tournament is D. South American and African powerhouses Argentina and Nigeria will be competing against each other but face stiff competition from their European counterparts.
The addition of Croatia and new-comer Iceland makes this affair all the more interesting. Here's everything you need to know about Group D.
Who's in this group?
Argentina
Star man: Messi, of course. The Barcelona icon has, time and time again, dragged the team when his fellow players failed to perform. In Russia, Argentina will look to improve on their 2014 finish and win the title, with La Pulga being the go-to guy for inspiration.
The coach: Jorge Sampaoli is the man in charge of La Albiceleste. He hasn't been with the national side for very long, with many fearing the former Sevilla tactician is yet to find a formation that works. Nonetheless, he has a talented list of players to choose from and will be eager to end the nation's wait for silverware.
Prior World Cup appearances: 16 (1930, 1934, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014)
Best finish: 2x champions (1978 and 1986)
Croatia
Star man: Croatia is lucky to have two of La Liga's best midfielders in their rank – Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic – but the Real Madrid ace will likely shine the most for his nation. The former Tottenham man is the captain and can score every now and then alongside assisting his team-mates. Perisic should also be a threat going forward.
The coach: Zlatko Dalić is the man in charge of the Vatreni. Despite having little experience at the top-level, the 51-year-old was named the head coach after Ante Čačić's sacking. He then guided Croatia past the playoffs and will be keen on making it out of the group.
Prior World Cup appearances: 4, as an independent nation (1998, 2002, 2006, 2014)
Best finish: Third place (1998)
Nigeria
Star man: The Super Eagles will look to their Premier League stars for inspiration in Russia. The likes of Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi, and Kelechi Iheanacho have shown their talent going forward and will hope to upset their European opponents.
The coach: Gernot Rohr's CV has seen him manage a range of African national teams, but his current reign at the Super Eagles should prove the most productive. Under his guidance, he lead Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup with ease, becoming the first country in the continent to book their ticket.
Prior World Cup appearances: 5 (1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014)
Best finish: Round of 16 (1994, 1998, 2014)
Iceland
Star man: Gylfi Sigurdsson will be vital to Iceland's campaign. Despite enduring a frustrating season with Everton, the midfielder remains a talented playmaker with a knack for scoring long-rage goals and set-pieces.
Coach: Heimir Hallgrímsson was the assistant manager when Strákarnir okkar came achingly close to qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, losing in the playoffs. In 2016, he was their head boss for their impressive European Championship campaign as they knocked out England from the competition. Now, they will test their luck on the biggest stage.
Prior World Cup appearances: None
Who are the favorites?
The safest bet is Argentina, because they have Lionel Messi. However, La Albiceleste could easily be shocked by any of their other three opponents, as the South American giant is yet to hit top form under Sampaoli.
It shouldn't be forgotten that Nigeria beat the two-time World Cup champion 4-2 in a friendly back in November. No African nation qualified for Russia before the Super Eagles which is a testament to their capabilities.
Croatia should also be a tough side and would be disappointed not to make it out of the group stage. Led by the likes of Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric, they should not be underestimated. The same should be said about Iceland, who was the surprise package of Euro 2016.
