Argentina have snuck into the Round of 16 with a 2-1 win over Nigeria, with thanks to an 86th-minute goal from Marcos Rojo in their own game, and Croatia’s 90th-minute winner in the other Group D match.
Final score
Nigeria 1
Argentina 2
Argentina’s fate is only partially in their own hands when they go up against Nigeria with both nations hoping to seal a spot in the Round of 16. Join The Roar for live scores from the match and a live blog of the game at Saint Petersburg Stadium in the early hours of Wednesday morning, starting from 4am AEST.
It being the final game of the groups stage for both nations, this match will be played concurrently with the game between Croatia and Iceland, and both games can potentially have an effect on the other.
Here’s the situation currently:
Croatia are through to the Round of 16. Having scored wins already over both Nigeria and Argentina, they’ve got six points to their name, so there’s simply no way they’ll miss out.
They’re a virtual certainty to finish top of the group also – Nigeria are the only team in the group that could catch them, and would need to win this match something like 5-0 to do so.
Every other nation in the group however still has a chance at making it through to the Round of 16 – it all depends on how these matches play out.
Nigeria are in the best position, thanks to having a win over Iceland. If they win this match, they’re through. If they draw, they’re probably through unless Iceland beat Croatia by three goals.
Iceland on the other hand need to hope that first of all they beat Croatia, and second of all Argentina beats Nigeria but not by more than the Icelanders win by. Tricky equation.
As for Argentina, they need to win this one and then hope that Croatia either draws with or beats Iceland – anything else and it could come down to tiebreakers.
Prediction
The balance of probability is that the Argies and Croatia both win, and Argentina and Messi go through to the Round of 16. But things haven’t worked out so logically for the World No.5 side so far this tournament, nothing’s set in stone.
Argentina 2-0.
Join The Roar for live scores from the match and a live blog of the game at Saint Petersburg Stadium in the early hours of Wednesday morning, starting from 4am AEST.
Chris
Guest
Welcoming news the dramatic win of the Albiceleste over Nigeria. To support this team you need passion, fire, emotion and above all a willingness to put up with disappointment, in-fighting, upheaval and the ultimate joy comes rarely but with an element of exhaltation. No wonder I back the Maggies in the AFL. I wouldn't have it any other way...Vamos Vamos Argentina! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeXUFlxgR5Q
Sebastian
Roar Guru
94' - That is Full Time what dramatic scenes as Argentina qualify for the Round of 16 with a gritty 2-1 win over Nigeria. Argentina: 2 Nigeria: 1
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90' - Musa is taken off for Nigeria and replaced by Simy Argentina: 2 Nigeria: 1
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Yellow Card 90' - John Obi Mikel is given a booking for a late challenge Argentina: 2 Nigeria>: 1
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89' - Alex Iwobi is brought on to replace Kenneth Omeruo for Nigeria Argentina: 2 Nigeria: 1
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Goal 86' - Marcus Rojo strikes with a crisp side volley which finds the bottom right hand corner, to give Argentina a 2-1 lead. Argentina: 2 Nigeria: 1
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81' - Ighalo's shot is blocked by Armani in the Argentina goal to keep Argentina alive Argentina: 1 Nigeria: 1
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78' - Argentina pressing for the second goal as Sergio Aguero is brought on for Argentina in place of Nicolas Tagliafico Argentina: 1 Nigeria: 1
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74' - Ighalo's shot blazes wide for Nigeria as VAR is brought in again after Marcus Rojo header deflects off his hand Argentina: 1 Nigeria: 1
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72' - Maximiliano Meza is brought on for Angel Di Maria in a tactical substitution for Argentina Argentina: 1 Nigeria: 1
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Meza instead of Dybala?? Rediculous
Sebastian
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70' - Ndidi blazes his shot over after a lovely dummy by Ighalo for Nigeria Argentina: 1 Nigeria: 1
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68' - Corner Kicks: Nigeria 3, Argentina 1 Argentina: 1 Nigeria: 1
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Bring on Dybala
Sebastian
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Yellow Card 64' - Banega for Argentina is shown a yellow card after a meaty challenge in midfield Argentina: 1 Nigeria: 1
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62' - Shots on Goal: Argentina 3, Nigeria 2 Argentina: 1 Nigeria: 1
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59' - Argentina Substitution Perez off and Pavon on Argentina: 1 Nigeria: 1
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57' - Possession: Argentina 64%,Nigeria 36% Argentina: 1 Nigeria: 1
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Goal 51' - Victor Moses converts the penalty from the spot to draw Nigeria level. Argentina: 1 Nigeria: 1
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Yellow Card 48' - VAR is brought into the spotlight again as Macherano is penalised for holding in the box Argentina: 1 Nigeria: 0