Yahoo News Argentina World Cup Group D table and permutations: How Lionel Messi and Co can advance to last 16
Argentina are on the brink of an early elimination from the World Cup after gathering just one point from their opening two games.
Lionel Messi missed a spot-kick as Jorge Sampaoli's men drew 1-1 with debutants Iceland in their opener before a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Croatia days later.
World Cup defending champions have made a habit of under-performing since the turn of the millenium, with France (2002), Italy (2010) and Spain (2014) crashing out at the group stages.
And with holders Germany also facing a scrap to reach the knockouts, it now seems that curse could be about to extend to the runners-up from Brazil 2014.
Here, we look at how Argentina can qualify for the knockout stage...
Group D | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts |
Croatia (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
Nigeria | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Iceland | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
Argentina | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
Argentina must win against Nigeria to have any hope of securing their place in the last 16 of the World Cup. The simplest way for Jorge Sampaoli's men to then advance would be if Croatia avoid defeat against Iceland on Tuesday. That scenario would see Argentina finish second on four points, with Nigeria on three points, and Iceland rooted to the bottom on no more than two points.
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However, all is not lost for Argentina even if Iceland win. There is a final scenario which would see the 2014 finalists through to the knockout stage even if Iceland win. Again Argentina must win, leaving both sides on four points, but Sampaoli's team would have to better Iceland's margin of victory by two clear goals, thus progressing with a superior goal difference. If both win and finish level on goal difference and goals scored, it will be decided on disciplinary record then drawing of lots (Argentina currently have three bookings, Iceland have one).
Nigeria will advance if they win, though a draw would be enough for the African nation if Iceland fail to beat Croatia. If Argentina and Nigeria draw, Iceland must win by a margin of two clear goals and score at least one more than Nigeria to keep alive hopes of reaching the next phase.
