Suffered a lot, was a huge relief to win this one: Messi
THRILLER Goals from Rojo, Messi help Argentina win 21 and set up prequarters clash against France
relief to win,” Messi said.
The evening had begun on a positive note for Argentina. When Victor Moses took nearly half-a-minute for a throw-in in the first minute, it was clear that Nigeria wanted to frustrate their opponents. It did little to deter Argentina though as, bolstered by Ever Banega in central midfield, they controlled the proceedings.
In the 14th minute, a pinpoint long ball from Banega found Messi. The pass was met with an equally good first touch with his thigh. Another elegant touch, this time with his left foot, to create space and time for an unstoppable shot from his right foot and Messi had made it 1-0.
Prior to kick-off, jeers echoed around the stadium as Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli’s name was announced. With his side in the lead and his face on the giant screen, Sampaoli faced a more positive reaction from the mostly Argentine crowd.
In the 34th minute, Messi hit the post from a free-kick. Nigeria held on for the rest of the first half. The story changed early in the second. Mascherano’s embracing Leon Balogun from behind fetched Nigeria a penalty and Victor Moses made it 1-1.
Argentina’s struggles from the centre of the field continued as the second half entered its decisive phase. But this was a mustwin game and Argentina pushed forward, a decision that left them vulnerable to being hit by a Nigerian break. Goalkeeper Franco Armani kept them in the game and then Rojo popped up at the end of Gabriel Mercado cross to set up a pre-quarter final against France.