Argentina national team won dramatically over Nigeria in the final match of Group D 2018 World Cup final at the St Petersburg Stadium on Tuesday (26/06/2018). Marcos Rojo became the hero of Albiceleste through his volley kick in the 86th minute.
Previously, Argentina led by Lionel Messi scored in the 14th minute. However, Nigeria retaliated through a penalty Victor Moses in the 51st minute, before Rojo scored a dramatic goal and sent the twice champions through to the knockout stages of the World Cup. Thus, Argentina became the runner-up of Group D to accompany Croatia to the Round of 16. Meanwhile, Nigeria must ended up third in the group – a point behind Argentina.
In the knock-out phase, Argentina meets France which is the champion of Group C, while Croatia face Denmark (Group C runner-up). France versus Argentina duel takes place at Kazan Arena, Kazan, June 30, while Croatia versus Denmark takes place at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, Nizhny Novgorod, July 1.
Argentina played aggressively since the kick-off whistle sounded. It did not take long for them to score because in the 14th minute, Messi broke into the Nigerian goalkeeper. This Barcelona superstar represents a stunning individual ability. Receiving Ever Banega’s hull pass from the middle of the field, Messi who ran into the penalty box to control and with two touches, he fired a shot with his right foot. The ball nestled on the right side of Nigeria’s goal.
This became Messi’s first goal in the 2018 World Cup. This also ended the wait for 662 minutes in a similar event since the last time he broke into Nigeria’s 2014 World Cup goal.
The 34th minute, Messi almost doubled the advantage through a free kick after Angel Di Maria violated near the penalty box. Unfortunately, the ball kicked by Messi to the left side of Nigeria goalkeeper can be anticipated by Francis Uzoho so the score 1-0 last until halftime.
In the second half, Nigeria tried to get out of the pressure. Their efforts paid off in the 51st minute after receiving a penalty for Javier Mascherano’s offense against Leon Balogun in a corner kick. Moses perfectly executes the penalty.
The situation that makes them will fail to the next round make Argentina back to play more offensively. Sergio Arguero was change in to increase the intensity of the attack. Albiceleste effort was finally produced in the 86th minute. Rojo, who volleyed while receiving Gabriel Mercado cross from the right wing, made Argentina a 2-1 lead that lasted until the fight was over.
In other matches, Croatia won 2-1 over Iceland, which made Luka Modric and co. qualify by winning in three group stage matches. Croatia took the lead thanks to Milan Badelj scored in the 53rd minute before equalizer by Gylfi Sigurdsson penalty in the 76th minute. Ivan Perisic ensured Croatia won in the 90th minute.
The composition of players Nigeria vs Argentina
Nigeria (3-5-2): 23-Francis Uzoho; 22-Kenneth Omeruo (Alex Iwobi 90 ‘), 5-William Troost-Ekong, 6-Leon Balogun; 21-Tyronne Ebuehi, 4-Onyinye Ndidi, 10-John Obi Mikel, 8-Oghenekaro Etebo, 11-Victor Moses; 14-Kelechi Iheanacho (Odion Ighalo 46 ‘), 7-Ahmed Musa (Simy 90’)
Coach: Gernot Rohr
Argentina (4-4-2): 12-Franco Armani; 3-Nicolas Tagliafico (Sergio Aguero 80 ‘), 17-Nicolas Otamendi, 2-Gabriel Mercado, 18-Marcos Rojo; 11-Angel Di Maria (Maximiliano Meza 72 ‘), 15-Enzo Perez (Cristian Pavon 61’), 14-Javier Mascherano, 7-Ever Banega; 9-Gonzalo Higuain, 10-Lionel Messi
Coach: Jorge Sampaoli
Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey)
