Nigeria faced Argentina power
The West African outfit have had two completely contrasting group games thus far. The first game a 2-0 defeat to Croatia showed the worst of the Super Eagles, whilst against Iceland Nigeria took their chances and deservedly ran out 2-0 winners.
Nigeria and Argentina have met on four occasions at a World Cup, and the South American side have won all four encounters. With the current Argentina side seemingly in disarray, the Super Eagles will be hoping that its fifth time a charm in Saint Petersburg.
Marcos Rojo was Argentina’s unlikely hero as his stunning late winner secured a 2-1 defeat of Nigeria that keeps Lionel Messi’s side in the World Cup.
The Super Eagles were heading through to the last 16 at Argentina’s expense with four minutes to go of the final Group D game, but Rojo’s sensational low volley saved Jorge Sampaoli’s men and set up a showdown with France in the next round.
Messi gave Argentina the lead in St Petersburg on Tuesday, the Barcelona superstar scoring a stunner to bring up the 100th goal of Russia 2018.
But when Javier Mascherano dragged down Leon Balogun in the box shortly after the restart, Victor Moses stepped up to roll Nigeria level and within touching distance of progressing.
Sampaoli sent on attackers Cristian Pavon, Maximiliano Meza and Sergio Aguero, but it was defender Rojo who came up with a quite brilliant winner.
The right-wing cross from another defender, Gabriel Mercado, was perfectly placed for Rojo to arrive late and slam home an improbable, unstoppable finish that extends Argentina’s stay at the World Cup.
Argentina is in desperate need of a victory if Jorge Sampoili’s side is to have any chance of making the round of sixteen, the last time Argentina dropped out at the group stages was 2002.
There has been plenty of fallout from the shambolic 3-0 defeat to Croatia, with some quarters of the Argentine media convinced that the players are now calling the shots in the side, over the head of Jorge Sampaoli. Javier Mascherano moved quickly to dismiss the conspiracy theories surrounding the team and has called for the support of the whole nation, in what for many have been deemed as Leo Messi’s last stand.
Much has also been made of the team selection heading into the game, with early reports suggesting that the more experienced players will be called upon for this must-win match against Nigeria. The likes of Ever Banega, Angel Di Maria & Gonzalo Higuainwill be drafted in from the start. Whilst goalkeeper Willy Caballero is likely to be dropped after his clanger against Croatia, which gifted the European side the opening goal. Expect Franco Armani to deputize in his place.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkgXV7LHwm6/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1gylkvu8a7cf4
