Nigeria 2, Argentina 3: Messi, Musa score twice as both teams qualify for knockout stage

Nigeria loses to Argentina, but the result in the other Group F match means they’re both through to the next round. As such, it was a goal-laden game with a shared Messi and Musa brace that felt more like a celebration of what has been an incredible group stage in this World Cup.

Nigeria may rue not pressing a sometimes vulnerable Argentina more in order to avoid France in the round of 16, but Vincent Enyeama’s performance in goal should encourage Stephen Keshi to spend the time to work on the back four, who will face a very similar attack in the next round.

Goals

GOAL! Lionel Messi (Argentina) 3rd min. Who else? Messi notches his third goal in three matches after Di Maria releases a shot which hits the post, comes off the back of Enyeama, and then into the path of the one player Nigeria would have rather it didn’t. Messi hits it into the roof of the net, and gain an early lead against Stephen Keshi’s side.

GOAL! Ahmed Musa (Nigeria) 4th min. Literally less than a minute later (30 seconds?), Musa countered after another near chance for Argentina, running in a straight line along the left flank and with only one striker in the box alongside him. Rather than cross however, Musa lashed in a stunner. An absolute stunner, laser into the far corner of the net. 1-1. This. World. Cup.

GOAL! Lionel Messi (Argentina) 45 + 1 min. After having a free kick saved by Vincent Enyeama in full stretch, a more centrally taken FK at a further distance gave Messi another opportunity to score at the end of the first half. He took it, and this time Enyeama didn’t even bother to leap. A gorgeous free kick, and Messi’s fourth goal in three games. The 1986 narrative looms large.

GOAL! Ahmed Musa (Nigeria) 47th min. A stunning lapse in the Argentine defense sees a an enormous gap open up to allow Emenike to play to Musa and release him free on goal. Musa’s patience pays off and he sends a shot to the left of Romero, and Nigeria were level! For a whole three minutes!

GOAL! Marcus Rojo (Argentina) 50th min. A looping corner kick from Messi dropped off the head of Garay and onto the knee of Rojo with space, and he quickly put Argentina back in front. The first player not named Messi to score for the Argentines. Nigeria will rue their marking on that set-piece going into the next round.

Man of the Match - Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has scored four goals in three games for Argentina, and is tied for top scorer in the tournament so far with Brazil’s Neymar Jr. Not only that, but it was his corner delivery into the box which allowed Marcus Rojo to get the winner and all three points in Group F. He was also yet again the difference for his side, though nervous Argentina fans will be buoyed by a much better performance on the part of Higuain, Di Maria, and Aguero substitute Lavezzi. The 1986 Maradona comparisons are already surfacing.

The Controversy

Messi substituted at the 63rd minute. Clearly a tactical choice. Only two goals? Nonsense. We expect more! What is wrong with you, Messi?

And Nigeria keeper Vincent Enyeama laughing and joking at one point with Messi after a saved chance? Human warmth on the field of play? Why didn’t Messi punch/bite/maul him?

What did Argentina do to win?

Cynics will point to a less diligent Nigerian defense for Argentina’s attacking improvement, but there were signs that Argentina have improved since their difficult match against Iran (who incidentally were comfortably beaten by Bosnia).

For one, Alejandro Sabella seemed to ask for a little more narrow movement from Argentina on the wings, pushing a little closer to the edges of the 18, which ensured a little more danger in sending crosses to either side of the area. They caused enough confusion in the Nigerian box for their opener, and Messi found the rebound well. Without Vincent Enyeama in goal, the scoreline would have been worse for Nigeria.

The Takeaway

A great match with the intensity diminished a bit by Bosnia beating Iran and allowing Nigeria to go through no matter the result. Argentina however will be pleased with path to the semis that will likely go through Switzerland/Ecuador to start, likely followed by either Belgium, the US or Ghana. Nigeria meanwhile will have to find a way to get past France in the round of 16.

The 1,000 Words

Stray Thoughts

That wrist injury to Michel Babatunde from Onazi’s blistering shot was mad gross. You can find it here if that’s your thing.

Vincent Enyeama was outstanding, though he might be getting a little tired of the exposure from the Nigerian forever shuffling back line.

Ahmed Musa was one decent chance away from becoming the first player from CAF to score a World Cup hattrick, and the first player ever to score a hattrick against Argentina. Then Zabaleta put in a gorgeous tackle.

Angel Di Maria is due to score in this tournament. Really came into his own in this match and had a few great shots parried away.