Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.
Nigeria is out of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup after losing 1-2 to Argentina Saint Petersburg.
Marcos Rojo clinched a dramatic victory to send Argentina through, as Messi scored the 100th goal at Russia 2018 before Moses levelled
A late Rojo goal sent Argentina into the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia knockout stages in dramatic style.
Needing a win to have any chance of progression, the defender volleyed La Albiceleste 2-1 in front in the 86th minute to break Nigerian hearts.
Victor Moses’s second-half penalty looked to be enough to earn Nigeria a crucial point, cancelling out a stunning Lionel Messi opener.
A raucous and partisan crowd roared on the South Americans, with Messi’s superb thigh control and finish providing a huge emotional release after a frustrating tournament.
Denied a second when Francis Uzoho tipped his free-kick onto the post, Argentina looked to be drifting out of the competition, only for Rojo to score the winner against the Super Eagles for the second finals running.
In turn he inflicted Nigeria’s fifth World Cup defeat from five meetings with Argentina, all by a solitary goal.
They left it all on the pitch and came so close. After a difficult first half, Nigeria were superb after the break, crafting some good chances to go ahead.
The young team can be proud. This experience will help them to evolve.
They got a good taste of how a World Cup works and have everything to be able to build on that.
Argentina produced their best performance of the tournament right when they needed it the most, showing once again that this is a group of players who can show up right at the crucial moments.
Both individually and as a team, La Albiceleste found answers that could make them a very dangerous opponent from now on.
Budweiser Man of the Match, Lionel Messi was there when Argentina truly needed him. His beautifully taken goal was something to behold.
Messi’s strike brought up the century for goals at Russia 2018 – one day later than Brazil 2014 hit the milestone on the way to a record-equalling haul of 171.
He also joined Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta in becoming the third Albiceleste player to score in three World Cups.
What’s next
Related Posts
France v Argentina – 30 June, Kazan
Croatia v Denmark – 1 July, Nizhny Novgorod
Meanwhile, Croatia made it three wins from three to eliminate Iceland from the World Cup.
Speaking after the match, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said:
“We have three wins, nine points, with a goal difference of 7-1. That only goal we got was from the penalty, so we have to be happy.
“The first place was our goal, we did it.
“I am convinced that this game in the Round of 16 will not be our end, we are waiting for Sunday to show the true power, this is the day of truth for us.”
Ivan Perisic said:”I’m happy to score a goal, but it’s not important that my name is on the scoreboard, it’s important that Croatia win and go on.
“We did not look the best in the field today, but it’s important to win on such occasions. Denmark are strong.
“We need to play much better if we want to go to the quarter-finals.”
Man of the Match, Milan Badelj commented: “Our goal is achieved.
“We are top of the group and we are ready to compete in the second round of the World Cup.
“Now we can concentrate on preparations for the knockout stage. This is a big new win for Croatia.
“There is no special celebration, let’s go further, step by step through the tournament.”
