June 12
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Referee: Wolfgang Stark (Germany)
History and form:
These two teams met in the final round of the 2002 World Cup. The score was 0-0 to cap off a disastrous campaign for Argentina. Argentina barely managed to qualify for the world cup this time. It needed a last ditch victory over Uruguay to seal a world cup ticket. Despite all the talent, embarrassment of riches really, their performances have been far from convincing. But despite their form, they go into the world cup among the top 5 favorites to go all the way. Nigeria has had a mixed bag of results. They finished 3rd in the African Cup of Nations and since then have had their ups and downs.
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Argentina:
Strengths:
LIONEL ANDRES MESSI.
I think these three words would suffice to summarize their strengths. But hold on, there is more to Argentina than the little genius from Rosario. They have Tevez, Milito, Higuain, Aguero. To think that at least two out of these four will be warming the bench is nothing less than an embarrassment. The midfield will be controlled by Javier Mascherano with support from Veron and Angel Di Maria.
Weaknesses:
The Coach. He was a genius on the pitch. But his eccentric nature and volatile character have resulted in improper team selections. And that has been one of the reasons Argentina have struggled lately. Maradona has come in for heavy criticism for dropping experienced players and Champions league winners Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanneti.
Defence: As a result the defense looks suspect with error prone defenders like Samuel, Heinze, Demechilis and Gutierrez. Zanetti may not be getting any younger. But, his experience and presence may have been the calming influence which the Argentinians need.
Nigeria:
Strengths:
The two strikers up-front- Yakubu and Martins. Vastly experienced, strongly built , keen eye for goal. These are 3 attributes one would associate with both players.The suspect Argentinian defense will be put to test by these two strikers.
Weaknesses: The naivety associated with the African teams. The brand of football that the African teams play has a touch of rawness and immaturity associated with them. Its just as well that their coach is a Swede. Lars Lagerbach is a disciplinarian. However, he should be careful so as not to curb the natural attacking instincts of his players.
Prediction: All said, the Argentinain attack will be too hot to handle for the Nigerians.
Argentina 4-2 Nigeria
