Marcos Rojo saves Argentina's World Cup dream with late winner to send Nigeria home
In the end it was not a Messi moment but an extraordinary volley from the right-boot of Marcos Rojo which saved Argentina at this World Cup, which sent them into the last-16 and which prolonged the international career of the best player the planet has probably ever seen.
Lionel Messi scored and scored a brilliant goal but, in itself, it was not enough against Nigeria who are out and will depart Russia with a sense of injustice and not least because at the identity of the man who sent them out. The Manchester United defender had already gone unpunished after catching Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho with a ridiculously high boot in the penalty area in the first-half and Rojo survived another spot-kick appeal - which even went to VAR after the referee Cuneyt Cakir was told to double-check it - when he headed the ball against his own arm in the second-half.
Then as Argentina seemed to be subsumed by their angst, by the devils which have gripped them and the weight of expectation which has overwhelmed them Messi intervened again. Except it was to roll a simple pass down the right touchline for Gabriel Mercado to send in a cross. Quite what Rojo was doing there in the first place who knows but such was Argentina’s plight at that point - when they had lost all shape and formation - that they needed something unlikely.
Instead of Gonzalo Higuain, instead of Sergio Aguero, who had also come on by that stage, it was the centre-half to strike the sweetest of volleys which tore past goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and into the net. There were 86 minutes on the clock. Just four minutes plus injury-time to go.
That clock was so close to ticking down but on an increasingly feverish and desperate night in St Petersburg, a night when the city and the stadium was turned into a fervent sea of blue and white clad, chanting Argentinians they saved themselves and will go forward from Group D, runners-up to Croatia, to face France, after collecting just four points from three unconvincing performances.
When that final whistle went all control was lost. The bench exploded onto the pitch, the players slumped in God-like prayer, including their little God Messi, who actually stood motionless in this maelstrom deep in his own thoughts and communications. Coach Jorge Sampaoli had also earned his reprieve even if his influence on this squad is so damaged that he will not remain in his post, come what may.
Even at half-time the cameras cut to the tunnel to catch Messi giving a team-talk while the rumours were that his team-mate Javier Mascherano had helped select the starting XI which was, in fact, the oldest ever to appear at a World Cup with an average age of 30 years and 189 days.
It felt like a team out of touch, out of time and out of this tournament despite their undeniable, dervish effort. But there was only one thirty-something who matters and Messi was not bowing out. Not now. Not yet. This World Cup has been a brilliant festival of football but it was lacking one thing. It was lacking Messi. And he gave it. His first-half goal was simply beautiful in every aspect. It came as Ever Banega, one of five changes made by Sampaoli or, rather, by the players as the coach drowns in a sea of revolt, flighted a glorious pass forward which picked out Messi.
The forward took it down on his thigh, as he sprinted, cushioned it with his left-foot, accelerated to give him sufficient space ahead of defender Kenneth Omeruo, of Chelsea, and slammed a right-footed shot back across Uzoho. The goalkeeper was left grasping air, the ball was in the net and Messi was scampering off in celebration. In the stands Diego Maradona folded his arms across his chest and raised his eyes to the heavens in relief. And with that it was the 100th goal of this World Cup, Messi became the first player to score in this competition as a teenager, in his 20s and in his 30s and 660 World Cup minutes without a goal ended for him.
Messi had been stationed out towards the right-wing in this re-worked team but, for 45 inspired minutes, he simply used that as his launch-pad. It was his finely-weighted pass that split the Nigerian defence to send Higuain through only for Uzoho to smother and he stepped up to take the free-kick after Leon Balogun tripped Angel Di Maria. From it Messi swung his shot left-footed across goal with the ball cannoning back off the far post. It would have gone in but for a finger-tip touch from the diving Uzoho.
Nigeria have proved themselves to be far better in the second-half of matches and so it proved again. If one of Messi’s tunnel messages was to concentrate, not do anything stupid then it was not heeded by Mascherano who foolishly held Balogun at Nigeria’s first corner after the re-start. The penalty was given and Victor Moses calmly stroked it beyond debutant goalkeeper Franco Armani to level the scores.
Argentina were stunned. Suddenly panic set in as they desperately tried to regain the initiative. The body language of both sets of players switched and Iheanacho’s replacement, Odion Ighalo, shot wastefully wide and was later denied by Armani when he had to score. By now nerves were frayed. Argentina escaped the penalty appeal, a draw would not be enough but, through Rojo, they grasped the lifeline.
Stat time
Some post-match stats from our friends at Opta:
Argentina have qualified from the World Cup group stages for the fourth consecutive tournament (2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018).
Argentina are unbeaten in their last 40 World Cup games when opening the scoring (W35 D5), since a 1-3 defeat against Germany in 1958.
Nigeria have now been eliminated in the group stages in three of their last four World Cup campaigns (2002, 2010 and 2018).
Lionel Messi’s first half goal for Argentina ended a run of 662 minutes without a goal in the World Cup – his last goal came in June 2014, also against Nigeria.
Argentina fan reaction
Final group standings
Handball or no handball?
This was a handball last night:
But tonight this wasn't:
For what it's worth, I don't think either was a foul. Maybe you should decide in our lovely little game!
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Rio Ferdinand on VAR
"I wasn't an advocate for VAR before but I think it brings excitement to the game."
The frustration now isn't with referees making poor decisions, it's when they interpret things in stupid ways. The handball penalty that was awarded to Iran last night was ridiculous but the one Rojo didn't concede here tonight was hardly any different.
What a game
I'm not sure I'd be surprised if Sampaoli plays Rojo at centre forward in the next game.
FULL TIME: ARGENTINA HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE KNOCK-OUTS!
What a victory. They've clawed a win! Magnificent for Argentina, devastating for Nigeria.
90 mins+4 - Nigeria 1 Argentina 2
Messi goes into a slide tackle in the corner to win the ball. The Argentina fans celebrate it like they've scored another goal.
Nwankwo comes on for Musa. Nigeria really going for it now, or at least they're trying to., They just can't keep the ball.
90 mins+2 - Nigeria 1 Argentina 2
Omeruo off, Iwobi on. Nigeria have decided they want to look like they're doing lots of attacking without ever actually taking a shot. It's a bold move.
90 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 2
Higuain carries the ball down the left, takes his time and passes it back, Argentina slow things down. Do Nigeria have anything left? I'm not sure they do. It's so harsh on them, they've been excellent and created so many chances.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!
THEY'VE DONE IT! WHAT A FINISH!
Nigeria 1 - 2 Argentina (Marcos Rojo, 86 min)
Argentina have scored and it's Marcos Rojo. He's in a striker's position and finishes on his right foot into the bottom corner. It's a stunning finish... but why the hell was Rojo in the number nine position?!
86 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
Argentina players scream for a penalty as Meza goes down in the area but it's never, ever a foul.
86 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
GOOOOOOOOO oooooooohhhhh that's the side netting! Boy that was close! Great free-kick but it's just wide. Argentina survive again.
85 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
Nigeria are so close to scoring again! Ighalo turns his man and has a one on one inside the area but the goalkeeper saves. Argentina are lunging into tackles with little control and now there's a free-kick to Nigeria in a dangerous area.
83 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
Mascherano is bleeding quite a lot from his head but the referee doesn't seem to either realise or care, even though it's not ideal for footballers, let alone humans, to bleed from the head. Mascherano is being battered today, throwing himself into challenges everywhere.
The delivery from corners for Argentina has been shocking tonight.
81 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
Honestly, if Messi doesn't score I don't know how Argentina get a goal here. Tagliafico is off, Aguero is on. Maybe this is the answer but at the moment, Nigeria are doing well to deny any real chances at goal.
The ball goes down the left, it's cut inside and HIGUAIN IS THERE! He's battered it over the bar! That's another huge opportunity thrown away!
79 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
You'll remember that Argentina have to win tonight, which you'd think would mean they'd get lots of shots at goal.
Nigeria vs Argentina shots on goal
Hmmm. And at the moment they're passing around their own half.
Aguero is getting ready to come on. Argentina are throwing men forward now and are so close to creating a chance - but nobody's following up as the ball is hit across the box.
NO PENALTY
It's the right decision. The ball comes off his head onto his arm, there's no way it's deliberate and the referee's got it right. Love that VAR, it makes games so exciting.
VAR review!
The referee is going to look at it himself! This is massive!
75 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
Iceland have equalised in the other game! Ohhhh the tension! Argentina aren't going to get back into things with the way they're playing and oh my god they're completely in! The ball is hooked in from the left and Rojo heads the ball away. Iheanacho has a volley but puts it wide.
It's gone to VAR. This could be a penalty! The ball came off Rojo's hand!
73 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
Meza sums up this Argentina team. He gets the ball on the left, tries to dribble past his man and ends up knocking the ball behind for a goal kick. Woeful. That's his first touch too.
71 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
1. Pleading with the barman that you’re fine for more drinks.
2. Three minutes after he refuses you. pic.twitter.com/KTprlyrL7m— SimonNRicketts (@SimonNRicketts) June 26, 2018
Superb from Higuain! He wins a 50/50 and passes back... and Mascherano makes up for a mistake... and Musa gets away down the left and suddenly Nigeria have men over! It's left to Ndidi on the edge of the area and he absolutely powers a shot at goal!
Over the bar.
Di Maria comes off, Meza on.
69 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
Possession: Nigeria vs Argentina
Pavon wins a corner. Messi comes short, skips past his man but then loses the ball. Musa is away... but then gives possession straight to the Argentina defence.
67 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
Pavon has ages to pick his pass, whips in a cross but it's too close to the goalkeeper. Di Maria has lost control of the ball and given away a throw-in.
Nigeria are still defending well here, keeping Argentina in non-threatening positions. That'll start to change soon though, you'd think.
65 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
Messi's started dropping really deep again, it's not ideal for Argentina who were much better earlier when they had Messi making the difference high up the pitch.
Banega is booked for a lunge on Ndidi in the centre-circle. Argentina annoyed because Pavon was clearly fouled a moment before but chose not to fall to the floor.
63 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
What a start from Pavon! He runs onto a pass sent into space on the right and burns past his man, winning a corner, which is taken short between Messi and Banega.
Di Maria then passes the ball out for a goal kick. He's maybe the most annoying player in the world. Hugely talented, fast, skillful, tall... but he either scores the best goal ever or is useless.
62 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
Perez is taken off to be replaced by Pavon. That won't change much tactically but he might be able to offer more than Perez, who has been poor again tonight.
60 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
Brilliant from Musa. He's absolutely binned two defenders with one smart turn on the edge of Argentina's box and only a fortunate block stops his cross reaching anyone in the area. Nigeria are so much better in this half.
58 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
This is easily the worst I've ever seen Mascherano play. His passing is off, he's being out-muscled and out-thought in midfield and I think we just have seen the best of him a while ago.
Messi toys with Etebo on the right wing and wins a free-kick then nearly gives Nigeria a counter-attack with a poorly placed pass! He gets away with it this time.
56 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
Ighalo goes down clutching his head and claims he's been elbowed. He hasn't. Free-kick to Nigeria though and Ndidi is then penalised for climbing all over Mascherano.
53 mins - Nigeria 1 Argentina 1
Croatia have taken the lead in the other game! Argentina need to win to go through - Nigeria are in second in the table for now!
Banega slides in in the box! This could be a penalty... but he connects with the ball - just- and gives away a corner.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL!
MOSES SCORES!
Goal: Nigeria ( 51 min )
Moses waits for the goalkeeper to dive and calmly places it the other side of him. Great penalty.
Penalty confirmed!
That is really harsh on Mascherano. He has his arms around the Nigerian but doesn't really force him anywhere and he falls to the ground. VAR says it's a penalty though. Huge moment coming up for Moses.
49 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
Nigeria win a corner after some miscommunication from Argentina's centre-backs. Etebo stands over it and IT'S A PENALTY! MASCHERANO IS BOOKED!
48 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
Banega slides in, wins the ball and keeps it in play somehow, then Perez overlaps and tries to make something happen going forward. Nigeria absorb the pressure and win a free-kick in Argentina's half.
KICK OFF 2
Iceland are drawing but have gone close to scoring a couple of times. It's all very tense but we're back! Argentina get the second half started.
If you thought English media is a bit nuts about England
Argentinian coverage of tonight's game is analysis the difference in body language between Messi and Maradona.
#CrónicaMundial Conversamos con el experto en comunicación no verbal, @HugoLescano, por @CronicaTVhttps://t.co/znYR4lHxoZpic.twitter.com/I9BXfGPoMV
— Crónica TV (@CronicaTV) June 26, 2018
It never ends!
You are the VAR
Here's a fun little game for you and it's harder than you'd think:
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Rio Ferdinand on defending against Messi
"It is an absolute nightmare. You just think, how am I going to get near him?"
I love these photographs
Team shapes
Average touch positions (half time)
HALF TIME
Argentina are halfway there! Nigeria definitely have a lot left to offer but a Leo Messi inspired Argentina have finally turned up. The second half will be very interesting.
45 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
Controversial! The ball is into the box and Iheanacho wants to attack it with his head. Rojo jumps with a high foot and clears the ball away... and Iheanacho heads his shin. Isn't that a high boot?
If Iheanacho had gone to head that high rather than waiting for it he might have had a penalty.
44 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
Jermaine Jenas is impressed with Argentina's pressing off the ball:
"You'd be surprised how infectious it is. You see your teammates doing it and you think you know what I'm going to do that and it has a wave effect."
42 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
Possession: Nigeria vs Argentina
It's fairly one sided but Nigeria have just started to get back into the game the last couple of minutes. They have a corner. Or they thought they did... the referee signals it's a throw-in.
Musa takes it and WOOF that is long! The ball arcs into the area, is headed away and Etebo tries a shot from distance. That's out for a throw-in.
40 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
Messi is really on it tonight. Everything he touches is working the way he wants it to, and his movement off the ball is helping Argentina link short passes in the final third. He very nearly forces an opportunity to score but some great focused tracking by his marker ends the chances of that.
38 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
The camera cuts to two girls/women sitting in the crowd and one of them laughs, smiles for the camera and then gives two V signs. Guy Mowbray: "Bit rude".
36 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
The replays show the goalkeeper gets a hand to that Messi free-kick! It's a brilliant save.
34 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
MESSI HITS THE POST! It suits a right-footed curler but Messi takes it and bends towards the far post. The goalkeeper is beaten but the frame of the goal isn't!
33 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
Banega has made a massive difference tonight. He's holding the ball well in midfield and passing it forwards when it's the right time, and now Di Maria has been tripped while running through on goal! That's a yellow card but it hardly seems fair - Di Maria was away and through on goal. Balogun gets booked for that one.
Card: Nigeria 0 - 1 Argentina (Leon Balogun, 32 min)
It's a difficult decision... but he has basically denied Di Maria a chance to shoot.
Messi stands over the free-kick.
31 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
This is the touch on the thigh that Messi makes while running at full speed for the goal. His second touch is before the ball hits the ground and takes it away from the defender. It's a brilliant goal, basically is what I'm saying.
Nigeria seem like they're reserving a bit of energy at the moment, soaking up pressure so they can have a go later when Argentina's stamina is low.
29 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
What a pass. Messi picks the ball up on the right, Nigeria back off him and he slips a superb through-pass into Higuain! The goalkeeper rushes off his line to close it down, Higuain should score... but doesn't get enough on it! They collide and the chance is gone.
Foul: Nigeria 0 - 1 Argentina (Gonzalo Higuaín, 27 min)
27 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
Argentina's shape looks something like a 2-6-2 at the moment.
Average touch positions (22 min)
Higuain drops into midfield to link play and help out at the back.
25 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
Argentina still working hard off the ball high up the pitch. Higuain closes down an attempted clearance and wins a throw, Messi is chasing players too.
Mascherano turns up in the final third to try and steal the ball then retreats back to his holding role.
23 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
Banega has the ball in the final third, Higuain makes a run off the ball but Banega miskicks then slides in to try and win it back. Throw-in to Nigeria. Argentina win possession back and the goalkeeper hits it long rather than take risks with short passing.
21 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
Possession: Nigeria vs Argentina
It's a real midfield battle.
Nigeria vs Argentina
19 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
Moses gets on the ball wide right and wins a corner. Iheanacho will take, even though he's a striker. It's headed away by Otamendi and Di Maria is on the break! Etebo wins the ball off him and a strong arm sends Di Maria to the floor. Free-kick Argentina.
17 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 1
Nigeria had started so well but one long ball over the top and Messi's incredible close control has made the difference.
That's the 100th goal of the World Cup as well apparently. Di Maria has been hacked down on the left wing and Argentina have the chance to get the ball in the box.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLL!
IT'S MESSI!
Nigeria 0 - 1 Argentina (Lionel Messi, 14 min)
What a goal! Leo Messi breaks away at speed in behind the defence, two briliant touches and he's powered the ball on his right foot - Michael Owen style - into the top corner. Absolutely superb.
14 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 0
Big mistake by Mascherano! He's gifted the ball to Iheanacho in Argentina's half! The striker moves towards goal but takes too long to get his shot away and Mascherano slides into recover. And then Mascherano gives the ball away to Musa!
12 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 0
Argentina are working really hard off the ball to try and win it back but Nigeria's passing has been quick and accurate so far.
10 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 0
Messi has a run at the Nigeria back line, twists and turns and he's behind them! Great play but his attempted cross back inside the box is blocked. Nigeria defending well here.
8 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 0
Messi fires a pass inside, Banega controls and spots the overlapping run of Tagliafico. The full-back gets to the box and is off balance... but tries a shot and it's wide.
Miss: Nigeria 0 - 0 Argentina (Nicolás Tagliafico, 8 min)
Nigeria come forward and attack with Musa's pace out wide.
6 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 0
Di Maria does well to read the play and win a tackle and then sprints to keep Banega's searching pass alive. He's just offside as he slides into prevent a goal kick.
Aggressive tackles are coming in from Argentina as they try to possess Nigeria. They need to be careful! Etebo picks up a loose ball and strides towards goal! And now Argentina are on the counter. Messi is wiped out by Mikel.
4 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 0
Messi has taken up a position on the right wing and Argentina have found him early on. Nigeria sitting deep behind the ball... a pass goes all the way through to Uzoho.
2 mins - Nigeria 0 Argentina 0
It's quite a slow start from Argentina as they try to figure out how they're supposed to attack as Nigeria sit just off them but it looks like Sampaoli's side are going to have more of the possession today.
KICK OFF
Here we go! Nigeria start the game!
Here come the players!
It's time for the national anthems. If we can learn anything from earlier, Peru were much louder than Australia and went on to easily beat them...
Decent effort from Nigeria with interesting use of woodblock between bits with words.
Argentina have definitely won this battle. There are millions of them in the crowd (I mean, not literally obviously) and it's a loud singalong. Messi has a little smile on his face too. That's a good thing, right?
Didier Drogba on Mikel
"He started with a number 10, where he likes to play, he enjoys that supporting the strikers but I think the manager put him back into a holding midfielder and this change has really helped Nigeria in the transition.
He's a leader, wants the team to do well. He has high expectations and it's good to see him leading."
More from Zabaleta
He looks so stressed and unhappy, don't get me wrong, the best thing to go into a football game is to enjoy. You need to enjoy and you see Messi's not enjoying.
Pablo Zabeleta on Argentina's chances
"As long as Messi is playing there is always hope. I'm expecting a big reaction. Definitely the manager is picking the team."
Messi's missed penalty
VAR could be a huge talking point after this game again, especially following Messi's miss in the game against Iceland. Things wouldn't be so difficult today if he hadn't hit such a poor shot from the spot but Messi's been guilty of a few misses in his career. If there is one fault in his game, it is that.
What can actually happen today?
Find out here:
Everything you need to know about Group D permutations as #ARG, #NGA and #ISL battle it out for a place in the last 16 https://t.co/F5EQGb5E3xpic.twitter.com/h5DnTmEe7Y
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) June 26, 2018
Messi's dressing room spot
Messi has been good pals with Aguero since they were young.
Players to watch
Nigeria's Oghenekaro Etebo has been the standout for me in their World Cup games so far - even if Musa scored the goals, Moses does the attacking and Ndidi wins the ball back all of the time. He's composed on the ball, tidy with his passing and has great vision when put under pressure and it feels like the 3-5-2 Nigeria are playing today suits all three of their central midfield players.
Another game, another team sheet. Really like Nigeria in this 352 - seems to work well. Argentina are awful. Higuain vs 3 CBs will be fun �� pic.twitter.com/TaWfvAcYvR
— JJ Bull (@jj_bull) June 26, 2018
The problem for Argentina will be finding space to operate in. With three centre-backs, Higuain is heavily outnumbered as a central striker and the hope really should be that Higuain pushes the centre-backs away from the midfield so that Messi can have some room on the ball.
To do that you'd expect Aguero to come on and turn this into a 4-1-2-1-2 at some point - probably when Nigeria have the lead :-[] - but nothing Sampaoli has tried has worked so far so Messi fans: don't get your hopes up too much.
But it is Messi.
World Cup records
World Cup record: Argentina
World Cup record: Nigeria
Starting lineups
Who's ready for the final matches of Group D?
The team news is in...#NGAARG#ISLCROpic.twitter.com/GT69ocJxzL— FIFA World Cup �� (@FIFAWorldCup) June 26, 2018
Words from Jon Obi Mikel
To advance from this so-called 'group of death' would be massive for us as a team and for the younger players – for their development and for their next World Cup. They can get a good taste of how a World Cup works. They gain a lot of experience and can build on that in the next four years.
Nwankwo Kanu with some words of support
A post shared by Kanu (@kingkanu4) on Jun 26, 2018 at 8:21am PDT
I'll be honest, it's not a great video but it's nice to see his face. Memories of the early 2000s are fading fast. Life... flying by too quickly... Messi being turfed out of a World Cup early? What is world.
Some Argentina tactics for you
World Cup tactics 2018: How Argentina are trying to harness the magic of Lionel Messi
The only real difference we've seen from my preview and the last two games are that Argentina have sometimes played Messi on the right of a 4-3-3. Other than that it's been horrible to watch.
Hello!
And welcome to our liveblog for what could be Lionel Messi's last involvement in the World Cup 2018! Surely not! It can't happen! Say it ain't so!
Well, friends, it could really be just that today. Argentina have to beat Nigeria and hope that that Iceland don't find a way to beat Croatia if they are to progress to the next stage of the competition but Nigeria need only draw to do the same thing! The ball is Nigeria's court, or half, and the other problem is that Argentina have been dreadful in each of their two games so far.
No invention, no pace, no organisation, too many players trying to do the same things in the same places - it's a total mess and Jorge Sampaoli has had a nightmare. It's not clear what he wants to do or what he really could do with the players available. To say Messi looks stressed is an understatement.
Nigeria are a weird one. They lacked drive, purpose and energy in their first game but a change of shape to a 3-5-2 opened them up in that win over Iceland. Ahmed Musa was fantastic and should keep his place today and if Nigeria bring the same tempo, skill and balance to the side that put two goals past Iceland, I can absolutely see them winning here.
Argentina have a big reputation but really lack balance. The strikers don't link well, Messi doesn't get the passes he needs, opposition teams shut him out of the game and nobody else picks up the slack. What is going to happen today?
Team news will be with us soon and then we can start figuring all of that out. Nigeria probably deserve to go through but I wouldn't have thought a football fan alive wants a World Cup without any moments of Messi magic. Perhaps this is the day we get some!
