Nigerian Super Eagles too much for noble Iceland

Nigeria have breathed new and spirited life into their World Cup, overcoming the Iceland team 2-nil.

It was a match that both teams were eager to capitalise on, with Argentina’s loss to Croatia throwing the whole group wide open.

Click here to re-live the game with The Roar’s live blog.

In a first half that looked like Nigeria had already given up on the tournament, Iceland were the stronger, playing disciplined football, with a formation that continually troubled and thwarted a disjointed Nigerian side.

While Iceland were the more in charge, and having the more meaningful chances (Nigeria with no shots on goal in the first half), it was the Nigerians with all the possession.

Going into the break, Iceland had all the confidence, and Nigeria seemed bereft of ideas against their better-drilled opponents.

The second half was a completely different match, as Nigeria, led by double-scoring Ahmed Musa, used their pace and skill to attack Iceland at will, the Europeans having no answer for the revitalised and energetic lime green attack.

The endeavor, pace, and sheer skill of the Nigerian outfit was all too consuming for Iceland, who at times could not keep up.

The opening goal to Musa was a sight to behold, as a left sided raid by Nigeria saw a cross handled with perfection by the number 7, and as he turned and blasted away, the net almost came clear off.

The Nigerian ran his knee into the back of the head of Ragnar Sigurdsson in celebrating his goal, resulting in several minutes of medical timeout. While that Sigurdsson lasted a few more minutes with a heavily bandaged head, he was later subbed.

Nigeria scored a second that they deserved, giving Musa his double as he weaved through the defence and around the keeper to find the top right corner, and Iceland had it all to do, which was ultimately beyond them.

To rub salt into the Iceland wounds, Gylfi Sigurdsson missed a penalty late in the match. A challenge in the penalty area that appeared to connect with the attacking Iceland player was waved on by the referee, only for the VAR to intervene. The referee reviewed the footage, and pointed to the spot.

The VAR intervention gave Iceland a chance, however with the miss as Sigurdsson blasted the shot well over the crossbar and resulting ray of hope gone, Nigeria closed out the match, to take three vital points into the last round of group matches.

Nigeria are now in the box seat to join Croatia in the knockout rounds, though all four teams are technically alive. The match up between Nigeria and Argentina may well be a playoff for second spot.

For Iceland, a disappointing outcome, and they will hope that they can rise for the occasion against an already qualified Croatia, to maintain some semblance of hope for a knockout round qualification.