Four things to look out for at the World Cup on Tuesday

Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-25 21:24:21|Editor: mym
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By Michael Place

MOSCOW, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Here are four things to look out for in Tuesday's matches at the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

1. Last hurrah for Guerrero and Cahill?

The clash between Peru and Australia could be the last time that Paolo Guerrero and Tim Cahill, both the highest scorers in the history of their respective national teams, play at international level. Peru's Guerrero, who had a doping ban temporarily lifted to play in this tournament, is certain to start in Sochi as the Blanquirroja battle for pride, having lost their opening two matches.

There is no guarantee that Cahill will be used by Socceroo's coach Bert van Marwijk. The 38-year-old former Everton player has not played a single minute at this tournament but a shoulder injury to striker Andrew Nabbout could see him enter into Van Marwijk's plans against the South American side.

2. Griezmann ready to shine

Antoine Griezmann has started the World Cup in the same way he began Euro 2016, with one goal from France's first two matches. The Atletico Madrid forward went on to be the leading scorer at the tournament in France with six goals, indicating there could be plenty to come from the 27-year-old in Russia.

A draw for France against Denmark on Tuesday would be enough for Les Bleus to top Group C while that result would secure second place for Age Hareide's team, regardless of the outcome of other Group C match between Australia and Peru. The Scandinavians will be without forward Yussuf Poulsen due to suspension while midfielder William Kvist remains unavailable with a rib injury.

3. Can Messi rescue Argentina?

Nigeria probably only need a draw against Argentina to progress to the knockout stage while the Albiceleste must win and need Croatia to avoid defeat to Iceland if they are to advance. Speculation of unrest in Argentina's camp has been rife, with senior players reportedly unhappy at the team selection and tactics of coach Jorge Sampaoli.

Concern has also surrounded the form of Argentina's talisman Lionel Messi, who has yet to score in the tournament and looked a broken figure at times during the Albiceleste's 3-0 loss to Croatia on Thursday. The two-time world champions will need Messi to recapture at least some semblance of form if they are to overcome Nigeria and advance to the round of 16.

4. Who will Croatia rest?

Already qualified for the next stage and virtually guaranteed of top spot in Group D, Croatia will rest several key players for their clash with Iceland, according to coach Zlatko Dalic. Among those likely to start on the bench are Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic and Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic. Both are on yellow cards and another caution in Rostov-on-Don would rule them out of the quarterfinals.

Iceland, who need to win to have any chance of remaining in the tournament, are sweating on the fitness of center-back Ragnar Sigurdsson and winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson. Sigurdsson suffered a head injury in his team's 2-0 loss to Nigeria while Gudmundsson has yet to recover from a calf problem. Enditem

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