BUENOS AIRES, June 15 (Xinhua) -- History favors Argentina in its upcoming clashes with Nigeria and Croatia in Group D at the World Cup in Russia, while it will face Iceland for the first time on Saturday.
Nigeria and Argentina have tussled a number of times, with the last of these serving as a warning to Buenos Aires, as its team lost 4-2 to the African side in Moscow in a friendly last November.
Overall, Argentina and Nigeria have clashed on eight occasions, with the Albiceleste winning five, drawing one and losing two.
At World Cups, however, Argentina's dominance has been uncontested, having defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the United States in 1994, 1-0 in 2002 co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, 1-0 in 2010 in South Africa and 3-2 in Brazil in 2014.
Against Croatia, Argentina also enjoys a historic advantage, having faced them four times, winning two, drawing one and losing one.
The only time these two sides have faced off at the World Cup was at France 1998, with Argentina winning 1-0 in the group stage, thanks to a goal from defender Mauricio Pineda.
Argentina will face Iceland on June 16, Croatia on June 21 and Nigeria on June 26.
