Argentina vs Nigeria, World Cup 2018: Lionel Messi returns with sublime goal, Ever Banega superb, Marcos Rojo stuns
Here are five things we learned from the dramatic Group D clash
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Your support makes all the difference.Argentina are still in the 2018 World Cup – but only just.
The two-time world champions were just five minutes away from exiting the tournament at the group stage when Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo scored a sensational right-footed volley to spare his side’s blushes.
Before that Argentina had taken an early lead through Lionel Messi’s spectacular goal, only for Victor Moses to level from the penalty spot in the second-half.
And Nigeria thought they had done enough to set up a last 16 clash with France on Saturday only for Rojo to step up and send the Argentinians through in their place. Here are five things we learned.
Lionel Messi’s goal brings all too brief calm
What made Messi’s sumptuous goal all the more remarkable was that Nigeria were dominating and Argentina were in danger of plunging from chaos to pandemonium.
Then, at 13 minutes and 52 seconds, the ball arrived at the feet of the coolest man in the stadium and, three magical touches later, at 13 minutes and 54 seconds, the ball arrived in the top corner of the net. Argentina had gone from chaos, to pandemonium, to mayhem, all with the three most tranquil touches of a football this World Cup has seen so far wedged in between.
It was made to look so simple, a step, a knee, a left foot, a right foot, a goal. But geniuses are just that for a reason, they make the difficult look so easy to the ordinary eye. Minimalist touches, maximum impact.
Nigeria so unlucky to lose their place in last 16
It’s unfortunate that, in so many ways, this game was only ever about Argentina. From the chaos of their camp in Bronnitsy, to the madness of Jorge Sampaoli; from the raft of changes made pre-match to the sad sight of Messi tumbling out of the tournament at the earliest possible opportunity: this was a game dominated by Argentinian plotlines.
But make no mistake: Nigeria fought bravely and can leave Russia with pride, despite narrowly missing out on their place in the last 16.
Gernot Rohr’s side have improved considerably since that disappointing defeat to Croatia in the first week of the tournament – and the friendly loss to England shortly before that. They outclassed Iceland and this evening outfought Argentina, battling their way back into the game after a true wonder goal and then coming so close to reaching the knockout stages.
Éver Banega just as valuable as Messi
Yes, Messi’s opening goal was sublime. Everything from the first-touch to the finish – even the tiny decoy step towards the ball to throw his marker off – was utterly outstanding. It may have taken him three goals to turn up in Russia, but what an introduction.
But Banega’s pass was just as good. Picking up the ball in midfield he floated an inch-perfect ball over the top, perfectly directed into the pocket of space behind Kenneth Omeruo and just as perfectly weighted, for Messi to control before rifling home.
His performance was more than just that pass, though. His inclusion helped to bring the best out of Messi: meaning that Argentina’s most influential player could concentrate on actually leading the line, rather than dropping deep in an attempt to instigate attacks.
A nightmare for Javier Mascherano
The warning signs were there early on. Within the first quarter of an hour of this match Mascherano misplaced two absolutely dreadful passes, with the first particularly bad, played straight to the feet of Kelechi Iheanacho who should have done better with his chance.
It didn’t get much better from there. Mascherano was unusually muted in the middle of the pitch – making just one successful tackle – while his passing remained too sloppy. All in all, he was thoroughly overshadowed by the hard-working Banega.
And then the penalty. Argentina protested Cuneyt Cakir’s decision heartily but really they can have few complaints; Mascherano was all over Leon Balogun and referees have of course been instructed to clamp down on holding in the box. Victor Moses stepped up to smash home the penalty kick and Nigeria found themselves level.
Franco Armani’s promising start cut short
A stat began doing the rounds on Twitter shortly after it was announced that 31-year-old River Plate goalkeeper Franco Armani was set to make his international debut. Against Nigeria, he became the 17th different goalkeeper to start for Argentina at a World Cup: more than any other nation.
He played well – certainly well enough to invite serious questions over exactly why Sampaoli decided to play Chelsea back-up goalkeeper Willy Caballero for the country’s opening two games. Armani was solid throughout and was not to blame for Nigeria’s goal from the penalty spot, although perhaps he did move slightly too early, allowing for an ice-cool Moses to roll the ball home.
But all in all, it was an encouraging start. He deserves to retain his place for the clash with France.
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