Argentina was able to sweep the group as expected. However, they haven’t been able to do it as easily as everyone thought. Going into the match, they had only a +2 goal differential meaning they beat each team they played against by only one goal. This match was no different since up until Argentina’s final goal, every time the Bi-Celeste managed to get ahead, Nigeria’s Ahmed Musa was able to tie it up and put the African side right back in the match.
The excitement started at the 3 minute mark when Di Maria took a chance on goal that hit the post, then the back of the Nigerian keeper, then the post again. The shot had enough power to pop back out past the six yard box, after ricocheting between the keeper and the post, for Lionel Messi to come from the midfield and blast the shot into the Nigeria goal.
Not too long after that, in about the time it would take a writer to get up, go to the restroom and come back to the television, Nigeria was able to equalize. Nigerian midfielder Mikel, pushed forward and after attracting two Argentinian defenders, laid the ball off to the wing to Musa. Musa was able to cut into the box to take a beautiful, well-placed shot around Romero and into the Argentinian goal. Sergio Kun Aguero had to come off due to an injury after only 38 minutes but was able to walk off. The rest of the first half was hit for hit as both the Argentinians and Nigerians refused to lay down. Messi also had to free kicks in the final minutes of the first half, he took the first in minute 43 which was saved beautifully by the Nigerian keeper. The second free kick was cleverly placed to the second post. It caused Enyeama to freeze and Messi was able to put the Bi-celeste up 2 to 1 just before half.
The second half began just as explosive as the first. Only two minutes into the second half, a through ball was sent forward to Musa who held the ball as he pushed into the Argentinian 18 yard box and faked shooting to the right but instead placed it to the bottom left side of the goal to once again equalize for the African side. Then 3 minutes later the Nigerians gave away a corner kick and the South American side capitalized. The ball found its way to Garay who headed the ball backwards for Rojo to tap in after some confusion in the box. This put Argentina up once again 3 to 2.
The match continued to be a great one where both teams attacked and defended well with tactical fouls and wonderful set pieces. Argentina was able to hold off the Nigerians and claim first place in the group. The results of the final matches in group E will determine Argentina’s next opponent but the Argentinians are looking very well on the attack and are beginning to look like they will make it far in this world cup.
Photo Credit: CNNMexico