Nigeria vs. Argentina: 6 Things We Learned
Ian Walton/Getty Images
The two teams to progress from Group F played out an exciting match
to complete the first stage on Wednesday, with Argentina coming out on
top 3-2.
Two superb goals from Lionel Messi and a third from Marcos Rojo were enough for the Albicelestes, while Ahmed Musa shone for Nigeria with a well-taken brace.
Here are six things we learned from this entertaining clash.
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Two superb goals from Lionel Messi and a third from Marcos Rojo were enough for the Albicelestes, while Ahmed Musa shone for Nigeria with a well-taken brace.
Here are six things we learned from this entertaining clash.
Michael Sohn/Associated Press
Messi was once again the star for Argentina, scoring two goals to set up his side's win for the third game in a row.
While his performances in the first two matches were somewhat muted, aside from the goals, this time he was also lively and influential in general play.
Part of the reason he was able to take control of this match was the fact that Angel Di Maria had stepped up his own game on the left flank.
The skinny Real Madrid man was superb for the Albicelestes, bombing up and down the sideline and firing in shots on goal to give the Nigerians plenty to think about.
With Di Maria's threat on the left, Messi was able to find more space to work in on the right, and he duly took advantage of it.
While his performances in the first two matches were somewhat muted, aside from the goals, this time he was also lively and influential in general play.
Part of the reason he was able to take control of this match was the fact that Angel Di Maria had stepped up his own game on the left flank.
The skinny Real Madrid man was superb for the Albicelestes, bombing up and down the sideline and firing in shots on goal to give the Nigerians plenty to think about.
With Di Maria's threat on the left, Messi was able to find more space to work in on the right, and he duly took advantage of it.
Michael Sohn/Associated Press
Many teams change their tactics when they come up against one of the "big" nations such as Argentina.
Not Nigeria, though, who refused to simply sit back and soak up pressure.
The Africans were not averse to getting men behind the ball when Argentina were in possession, but nor were they afraid to attack with gusto, and in numbers.
Rather than going into their shells when Messi scored early, Nigeria swept forward and struck back immediately.
The downside of such a plan, however, is that Di Maria, Messi and others are left with plenty of space to work with.
Not Nigeria, though, who refused to simply sit back and soak up pressure.
The Africans were not averse to getting men behind the ball when Argentina were in possession, but nor were they afraid to attack with gusto, and in numbers.
Rather than going into their shells when Messi scored early, Nigeria swept forward and struck back immediately.
The downside of such a plan, however, is that Di Maria, Messi and others are left with plenty of space to work with.
Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
While Messi was doing what he does down one end, Ahmed Musa was
putting in a classic World Cup performance of his own for the Super
Eagles.
Both of his goals were excellent, and both depended on an element of surprise.
The first came moments after Argentina had scored, with Musa taking advantage of slack marking to hurtle into the box and finish coolly.
His second goal was the result of an intelligent run from deep, which was made at such pace that nobody tracked him.
Nigeria's opponents in the knockout stages will be keeping a close eye on the zippy No. 7.
Both of his goals were excellent, and both depended on an element of surprise.
The first came moments after Argentina had scored, with Musa taking advantage of slack marking to hurtle into the box and finish coolly.
His second goal was the result of an intelligent run from deep, which was made at such pace that nobody tracked him.
Nigeria's opponents in the knockout stages will be keeping a close eye on the zippy No. 7.
Victor R. Caivano/Associated Press
An incident in the 71st minute will be of concern to Argentina fans.
As Sabella barked instructions to substitute Ezequiel Lavezzi, the PSG player showed his disdain for the coach by squirting him with water from the bottle he was drinking.
This might have just been a moment of petulance from the firey forward, or it could have been a sign that the manager lacks respect from his playing group.
Any major dressing-room issues would be a hindrance to Argentina's hopes of winning the title.
As Sabella barked instructions to substitute Ezequiel Lavezzi, the PSG player showed his disdain for the coach by squirting him with water from the bottle he was drinking.
This might have just been a moment of petulance from the firey forward, or it could have been a sign that the manager lacks respect from his playing group.
Any major dressing-room issues would be a hindrance to Argentina's hopes of winning the title.
Ian Walton/Getty Images
The vigour with which Nigeria took on one of the tournament
favourites proves they deserve their spot in the knockout stages of
Brazil 2014.
African teams have not had the best World Cup overall, but the Super Eagles have shown more intent and more promise than group opponents Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iran.
Scoring twice against Argentina indicates they are a side who can trouble anyone in the competition.
African teams have not had the best World Cup overall, but the Super Eagles have shown more intent and more promise than group opponents Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iran.
Scoring twice against Argentina indicates they are a side who can trouble anyone in the competition.
Jeff Gross/Getty Images
Argentina's strength is obviously in their attacking players.
Messi is a force of nature, but even apart from their captain, the Albicelestes can rely on a bevy of talented forwards to terrorise opponents.
The manner in which the defence conceded two goals today will be a major concern for Sabella, however.
For both goals, Musa was afforded far too much time and space to ghost into the box.
If Argentina are to win the World Cup, they will have to resist players of the class of Robin van Persie, Neymar and James Rodriguez at some stage.
Shambolic defending such as that shown against Nigeria would see them eliminated against top opposition.
There is room for improvement.
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has said his team showed Argentina too much
respect especially in the first half causing them to lose the final
group game at the World Cup.
The African champions qualified for the knockout rounds of Brazil
2014 as runners-up in Group F, behind group winners Argentina, despite
losing 3-2 on Wednesday. Thy recorded four points to make it to the last
16 since 1998.
“I am satisfied (with his team’s performance) especially with what we showed in the second half,” keshi said. But we showed them too much respect in first half, if we had played like we did in the second half, it would have been a different story.”
Keshi said his team have continued to improve as the tournament progressed, “We need to improve going forward. But we are coming back to our shape. There is progression, which is good,” he remarked.
Two-goal hero Ahmed Musa said the Eagles will now have to work a lot harder when they battle France in Brasilia on Monday evening. He said: “We wanted to win, we tried to equalise, but we are happy we have qualified. It was not easy against a top team like Argentina and Lionel Messi, who is the world’s best player, but I’m happy I scored twice,” said the CSKA Moscow star. We now want to go farther in the competition and so we will work harder.”
By Arafat Aliu in Porto Alegre
Messi is a force of nature, but even apart from their captain, the Albicelestes can rely on a bevy of talented forwards to terrorise opponents.
The manner in which the defence conceded two goals today will be a major concern for Sabella, however.
For both goals, Musa was afforded far too much time and space to ghost into the box.
If Argentina are to win the World Cup, they will have to resist players of the class of Robin van Persie, Neymar and James Rodriguez at some stage.
Shambolic defending such as that shown against Nigeria would see them eliminated against top opposition.
There is room for improvement.
World Cup 2014: Keshi, Musa Speak After Narrow Loss To Argentina
We showed them too much respect – Keshi
“I am satisfied (with his team’s performance) especially with what we showed in the second half,” keshi said. But we showed them too much respect in first half, if we had played like we did in the second half, it would have been a different story.”
Keshi said his team have continued to improve as the tournament progressed, “We need to improve going forward. But we are coming back to our shape. There is progression, which is good,” he remarked.
Two-goal hero Ahmed Musa said the Eagles will now have to work a lot harder when they battle France in Brasilia on Monday evening. He said: “We wanted to win, we tried to equalise, but we are happy we have qualified. It was not easy against a top team like Argentina and Lionel Messi, who is the world’s best player, but I’m happy I scored twice,” said the CSKA Moscow star. We now want to go farther in the competition and so we will work harder.”
By Arafat Aliu in Porto Alegre
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