Nigeria 2-3 Argentina : Five talking points

Two goals from Lionel Messi and another from Marcos Rojo were enough for Argentina to beat Nigeria 3-2. Nigeria fought back valiantly and equalised twice through Ahmed Musa, but in the end, it all was not enough as they conceded a third thanks to a defensive lapse from a set piece.But, all of that meant nothing in terms of points as Iran lost 3-1 to Bosnia, which meant that Argentina finished top and Nigeria qualified into the Round of 16 as runners-up.Here are the five major talking points from a fascinating clash between the groups top two sides.

#1 Argentina and Nigeria keep up the tournaments attacking tradition

With a draw ensuring qualification for both sides, there were those who predicted that a biscotto might be in place as Argentina and Nigeria came out onto the pitch. But within five minutes, that notion was dispelled as the score was already 1-1.

In much the same vein as how the tournament has progressed so far, Argentina and Nigeria played out a five-goal thriller when a nil-nil draw would just as well have sent both teams through.

Instead of sitting deep and playing without any ambition, both sides went for it right from the start, which made for some gripping football. Although there were five goals, there could just as well been more, hadn’t it been for Vincent Enyeama’s heroics in goal.

The match only went onto show what this World Cup has been about so far. Even in a game that didn’t matter in the larger scheme of things, both sides decided to attack and give it a go and give the fans who turned up some great fun and entertainment.

Given how there have been very few classic World Cups of late, if this trend continues, Brazil might just be one.

#2 Question marks still linger over Argentinas defence

Three wins out of three and having qualified into the Round of 16 as group winners, you would think that there is very little to worry the Argentineans. But, having conceded three goals in their three games, their defence has once again shown cracks which many before the tournament predicted will appear.

While they do have undeniable quality in attack, at the back they are still suspect and a better team might just be able to pick them off.

Against Nigeria, it wasn’t the two goals that they conceded but the manner in which they did, that is likely to worry coach Sabella. For the first goal, Argentina were caught on the break, with too many men pushed forward, which made it all too easy for Musa to equalise, moments after the Super Eagles conceded.

The second was even worse, as Musa basically walked through the heart of the Argentinean defence and scored an easy goal, with nobody anywhere near him tracking his run. If Sabella doesn’t work on his defence, it might just end up costing his side.

#3 Frenetic starts to both halves set up a fascinating clash

When Messi scored inside the opening three minutes, it looked as though it was going to be a long night for Nigeria. But, instead of being resigned to their fate and dropping deep, the Super Eagles pushed on and scored an equaliser with a minute of Argentina’s opener.

The equaliser was a historic goal as it was the first time in the history of the World Cup that both sides had scored inside the opening five minutes. Although the rest of the half didn’t quite live up to the scintillating start, Messi’s goal right on the stroke of half-time meant that it ended just how it started.

Losing 2-1 at half-time, Nigeria once showed their resolve as they equalised a couple of minutes into the second half. It was Ahmed Musa again who scored and just when it looked like Nigeria were going to push for the winner, there was another goal.

This time Argentina scored through Marcos Rojo. In total, the opening five minutes of both halves, saw four goals being scored and although neither side was able that level through the rest of the game, it certainly made for an interesting game.

#4 Di Maria shows it isnt all about Messi

Anybody who didn’t see the game, will take one look at the score line and tell you that Messi was his side’s key performer yet again. But, although he scored twice and created a couple more chances for his team-mates, it wasn’t he who stole the show against Nigeria.

Instead, it was the Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria, who outshone Messi and showed that it isn’t always about him.

Unfortunately for Di Maria, he ran into a Nigerian goalkeeper who was having a superb game. For, if it weren’t for Vincent Enyeama, Di Maria would have at least had a couple of goals to his name and would have dominated the headlines, instead of Messi.

Although he didn’t score, his tireless running and ability to pick out a teammate at will ensured that he walked away with a commanding performance. Di Maria’s intelligent running with the ball and precise passing almost helped his side to a few more goals.

In the end, Di Maria had one of those games that can only be truly appreciated by those who saw the game and not just the goals or the highlights, something that certainly bodes well for Albiceleste.

#5 Will Nigeria be Africas lone survivor?

With Cameroon and Ivory Coast already knocked out and Ghana and Algeria still to play their last group game, Nigeria represent Africa’s best hope in Brazil.

With two clean sheets in their opening two games, Nigeria certainly were on the right track. Although they lost to Argentina and conceded three goals, they certainly showed they have more than enough to trouble France, their likely opponent in the Round of 16.

In Ahmed Musa, they have a wide player, who is not only blessed with tremendous pace, but is also a clinical finisher, whose composure is well beyond his years.

In central midfield, Onazi once again showed just why he is regarded as the next big thing coming out of Nigeria. Not only did the 21-year-old display bundles of energy as he rampaged up and down the field, but also showcased his fiery shot and ability to control the game.

If those two continue their fabulous form against France, it will certainly make for an interesting clash.