Nigeria vs Argentina: World Cup 2014 match preview

A look ahead to the Group F match at Porto Alegre

Konstantinos Lianos

Wednesday 25 June 2014 13:22 BST

Happy ending: Lionel Messi is jubilant and relieved as he scores the goal in Belo Horizonte yesterday that put Argentina into the knockout stages (EPA)

Argentina and Nigeria are ready to settle Group F’s top spot as the Albiceleste would just need a draw to win the table whereas the same result would mathematically help the Nigerians qualify ahead of Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Alejandro Sabella’s side must be in great spirits thanks to star striker Lionel Messi’s form that has casted away his negative record from the last World Cup. However, the team raised doubts with their performance last week where they barely beat Iran – the result could have definitely been different if it was not for the Barcelona player.

The Argentineans are not facing any injury concerns or suspensions but it is not yet clear if Gonzalo Higuain will start up front with Messi and Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero, as the manager may decide to save just a couple of players for the next round.

A determined Nigeria know that a draw will help them qualify in second place and a win will send them to the top but manager Stephen Keshi is dealing with the injuries of defender Godfrey Oboabona, defensive midfielder Reuben Gabriel and Chelsea’s Victor Moses – this means that last week’s scorer, and Stoke City forward, Peter Odemwingie could start again.

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Sergio Romero – 8

Wouldn't have expected to have such a busy afternoon but stood up to the challenge admirably. Courtesy of a number of excellent saves, Romero is the reason why Iran didn’t take a shock lead.

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Pablo Zabaleta – 6

Didn’t show the same ability going forward which British audiences have grown accustomed to. Left Gago and Messi without back-up on occasions also.

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Ezequiel Garay - 6

Started well but looked incredibly nervous as the Iranian momentum built. This frailty almost cost Garay and Argentina very dearly indeed.

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Federico Fernandez – 6

Like Garay, Fernandez looked nervous in the latter stages as Iran picked up the pace. Can’t afford to do the same against a more reputable side.

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Marcos Rojo – 7

Bursting forward at every given opportunity, Rojo was one of the few Argentine players to truly shine for the full match. His deliveries from the left wing caused problems throughout.

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Javier Mascherano – 6

Positioned just in front of the back four, the former Liverpool midfielder allowed far too many Iranian passes through the defensive net. Could have been the reason for a decidedly different outcome if luck was on Iran’s side.

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Fernando Gago - 7

Strived to drag his side back into the game on many occasions and very nearly did so. Showed the passion required to break down such a stubborn opponent.

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Angel Di Maria - 6

Was ineffective for large stretches of the game but, as always, proved to be a threat from set-pieces. Needed to show more desire in open play.

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Sergio Aguero – 6.5

Worked hard for much of the game and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet. The Manchester City man had a decent, if unremarkable, game.

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Gonzalo Higuain - 5

Hardly noticeable for much of the match, the Napoli striker was later subbed. A poor afternoon.

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Lionel Messi - 8

Having struggled to make his mark on the game for ninety minutes, Messi did what he has been doing for the best part of the last decade. What would Argentina do without him? A sumptuous goal worthy of winning any game.

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Alireza Haghighi - 7

Wasn’t called upon nearly as much as he would have expected but was a reassuring figure at the back. Could do nothing about Messi’s late strike.

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Pejman Montazeri - 7

Like his defensive counterparts, Montarezi was bitterly unlucky not to have a clean sheet against Argentina to tell his grandchildren about. A fine display.

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Jalal Hosseini - 7.5

Unlucky not to score on a number of occasions, Hosseini was a threat every time he ventured forward.

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Amirhossein Sadeghi - 7

One of the centre-backs charged with man-marking Messi, Sadeghi was a credit to his teammates and very nearly helped them to keep a famous clean sheet.

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Mehrdad Pooladi - 7

With Messi, Higuain and Aguero to deal with, Poladi was magnificent at left-back. Strong into the tackle and ambitious going forward, this was an exciting display.

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Masoud Shojaei - 6.5

Playing just behind the excellent Ghoochannejad, the ball sometimes missed Shojaei along the way but his work rate was clear for all to see.

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Andranik Teymourian - 6.5

Gave possession away poorly on a few occasions but, like all of his teammates, kept running until the very end.

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Javad Nekounam - 7

In the heart of the Iranian midfield, Nekounam was responsible for a wide range of counter attacks which very nearly paid off for Iran. An essential player who almost made all the difference.

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Ehsan Hajsafi - 7

A menace on the counter attack, the man from Sepahan in the Iran Pro League did his job well today. Will maybe even have European scouts taking a second look too.

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Reza Ghoochannejhad - 8

A warrior in attack for Iran, the Charlton Athletic striker is so unfortunate not to have a goal from today’s clash. Making Romero work for his cap today, this was a fantastic display.

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Ashkan Dejagah - 8

While some Fulham fans blamed Dejagah’s over-exuberance for their subsequent relegation last season, it did nothing but push Iran onto nearly claiming one of the biggest scalps in World Cup history.

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KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 5pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Argentina 3 (Higuain, Di Maria, Echiejile og) Nigeria 1 (Obasi), International Friendly, September 2011

Nigeria 4 (Uche 2, Obinna, Amunike) Argentina 1 (Boselli), International Friendly, June 2011

Argentina 1 (Heinze) Nigeria 0, World Cup, June 2010

STATS:

Both sides have faced each other three times at the World Cup where Argentina won every match.

Argentina striker Lionel Messi scored his third World Cup goal last week. The Barcelona star failed to score a single goal in five matches at the last competition.

The Albiceleste have won 11 of their last 14 World Cup group stage matches and lost only one.

Nigeria’s win against Bosnia-Herzegovina last week marked the nation’s first World Cup victory since 1998. In between, the Super Eagles lost six of their last nine matches.

ODDS:

Nigeria to win: 7.1

Argentina to win: 4.7

Draw: 11.4

TV: Live on ITV at 5pm

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