Argentina eke out win over Nigeria to advance

Photo Credit: FIFA.com/Getty Images

Argentina 2- Nigeria 1

On Tuesday evening St. Petersburg, Russia Argentina proved that there is a sports equivalent to the first rule of Fight Club: That you do not talk about upsets. Despite most of the sports world writing them off La Albiceleste did what they needed to prove their detractors wrong and stay alive at the 2018 World Cup, defeating Nigeria 2-1 in their Group D finale.

After a dispiriting 1-1 draw with Iceland and a 3-0 thumping by Croatia, Argentina needed a lift in this match. They received it from the heavily partisan crowd St. Petersburg Stadium who from the start of the first whistle were firmly behind their countrymen.

Having that sort of advantage lifted the spirits of the players and gave Lionel Messi a bit of a breather in this match. In particular the midfield seemed to be the most impacted. Angel Di Maria and Ever Banega effortlessly moved the ball in the first half against a Nigerian side that had trouble defending the diagonal pass. Messi having that little bit of space paid off in the 14th when he finished off a through ball from Banega giving Argentina the 1-0 advantage. The goal was his 65th for La Albiceleste. 

After holding back the potent Nigerian attack for the first 45 minutes, Argentina slipped up early in the second placing their chances of advancement at risk. After The Super Eagles earned a corner in the 49th minute they were further rewarded a penalty after Argentina defender Javier Mascherano fouled Leon Balogun. Nigeria midfielder Victor Moses pulled his side level with a point blank shot at goal that fooled a diving Franco Armani. The goal was his twelfth all-time for Nigeria.

Sensing that they were on the brink of elimination, Argentina entered desperation mode pouring everything into the attack. Their best chance came in the 80th minute when Gonzalo Higuain found a pocket of space at the top of Nigeria’s eighteen to rip a chance on goal. While initially it looked promising, his shot went over the bar. While they were outshot 9-3 in the match Nigeria’s defense did an excellent job at limiting Argentina’s chances from close range. Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, one of the youngest players in the tournament at the age of 19, made two keys saves to keep his side in the match up until the final minutes.

But while the Super Eagles did certainly give their all to advance, it wasn’t enough as Argentina’s advantage in skill and in speed gave them the match-winner. In the 86th minute Argentina right-back Gabriel Mercado broke free down the right flank and laid in a cross right at the feet of his line mate, Marcus Rojo. Rojo coolly hit a volley with the inside part of his right foot, slotting his shot towards the far left post and past Uzoho.

With the win Argentina moves on to face France in the round of 16. That match will take place at the Kazan Arena in Kazan, Russia on Saturday at 10AM EST/7AM PST.