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LIVE UPDATES: Nigeria 1-2 Argentina (Full Time)

  It is here. The much-anticipated clash between Nigeria and Argentina. Advertisement After boosting their World Cup hopes and bringing joy to millions of Nigerians … Continue reading LIVE UPDATES: Nigeria 1-2 Argentina (Full Time)

By Simon
Updated June 26, 2018
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Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi (C) dribbles past Nigeria’s defender Leon Balogun (L) and Nigeria’s midfielder Onyinye Ndidi (R) during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Argentina at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on June 26, 2018. Giuseppe CACACE / AFP
Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi (C) dribbles past Nigeria’s defender Leon Balogun (L) and Nigeria’s midfielder Onyinye Ndidi (R) during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Argentina at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on June 26, 2018. Giuseppe CACACE / AFP

 

It is here. The much-anticipated clash between Nigeria and Argentina.

After boosting their World Cup hopes and bringing joy to millions of Nigerians with a thrilling win over Iceland, the Super Eagles have just over 90 minutes to decide their World Cup fate.

It will not be a stroll in the park, they are up against an Argentina side reeling from a disastrous start to the World Cup and without a win after two games.

Victory at the St. Petersburg Stadium today guarantees Nigeria progress to the next round.

A draw will be enough if Croatia defeat or plays out a draw with Iceland in the second Group D game.

Stay with us for live updates.

Thank you for following our live updates for today. Read more stories on today matches in our sports and World Cup sections.

Nigeria put up a great fight and created several chances against a desparate Argentina side. Unfortunately, they could not convert as many chances as were needed. Both side had their chances and any could have won, Argentina did just that and progress to the last 16 on four points. Croatia top the Group with nine points after defeating Iceland. Nigeria take the third spot with three points and Iceland is bottom with a point.

95′: Full Time: The referee brings the game to an end after four added minutes. Nigeria 1-2 Argentina.

86′: GOOAL! Rojo makes it 2-1 for Argentina.

84′: Chance! Ighalo has a great chance to score. But the Argentine goalkeeper does well to deny him. Nigerian fans would feel Ighalo should have done better there.

81′: Higuain misses a good chance. As he sends a volley wide.

80′: Substitution: Sergio Aguero comes on for Nicolas Tagliafico.

76′: Odion Ighalo mishits a volley. Nigeria call for a penalty as Marcos Rojo handles the ball in the box. But after consulting VAR, the referee decides – no penalty.

72′: Another substitution for Argentina. Di Maria makes way for Maximiliano Meza.

64′: Ever Banega goes into the referee’s book for a reckless tackle on Onyinye Ndidi.

61′: First substitution of the game. Enzo Perez is replaced by Cristian Pavon for Argentina.

54′: Nigeria is playing on the counter here. And although Argentina is still hogging possession, they are being to cause problems at the back for Sampaoli’s men.

51′: GOOOOOAL! Nigeria equalises from the spot. Victor Moses steps up and puts it away.

49′: PENALTY! PENALTY! – Javier Mascherano pulls Leon Balogun by the shirt and the referee points to the spot. He gets a yellow for that.

The second half is underway with Argentina getting proceedings started.

HT:

Only Messi’s strike separates both sides at the moment but Nigeria need to level the scores to stand any chance of progress. As it stands, with either Iceland or Croatia yet to score Argentina is second on the table behind Croatia.

7:47 pm: Neither side benefits from the added minutes and the referee brings the first half to an end.

7:45 pm: Kelechi Iheanacho is down in the Argentine box and receives treatment on the pitch. Two added minutes to be played before half-time.

7:41 pm: Nigeria surge forward and Kelechi Iheanacho directs the ball behind the defence, but it’s intercepted.

7:34 pm: SAVE! Messi hits the freekick and it is headed for goal but Francis Uzoho makes a fine save.

Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi takes a free-kick during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Argentina at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on June 26, 2018. GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP

7:32 pm: Leon Balogun picks the first booking of the game. Ever Banega starts a counter for Argentina and splits Nigeria’s defence with a through pass. Balogun results to a tactical foul to stop Di Maria. The Argentines are unhappy he picked only a yellow.

7:14 pm: GOOAL: Messi gives Argentina the lead. Argentina make something out of their possession. Ever Banega sends the ball upfield after Brian Idowu concedes a freekick for a foul on Enzo Perez. The ball falls to Messi and he does the rest.

Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi (L) runs in celebration after opening the scoring during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Argentina at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on June 26, 2018. Giuseppe CACACE / AFP

7:05 pm: Five minutes in, Argentina are hogging the possession. Ball possession: Nigeria, 24%; Argentina, 76%.

Nigeria’s defender Brian Idowu (L) and Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi (R) compete for the ball . GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP

7:00 pm: Nigeria start the game. We are underway.

Here are the starting line-ups for today’s game:

 

Nigeria (3-5-2)

Francis Uzoho; Bryan Idowu, William Ekong, Leon Balogun; Victor Moses, Wilfred Ndidi, John Obi Mikel (capt), Oghenekaro Etebo, Kenneth Omeruo; Kelechi Iheanacho, Ahmed Musa

Coach: Gernot Rohr (GER)

Argentina (4-3-3)

Franco Armani; Gabriel Mercado, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Rojo, Nicolas Tagliafico; Enzo Perez, Javier Mascherano, Ever Banega; Lionel Messi (capt), Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria

Coach: Jorge Sampaoli (ARG)

Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (TUR)

 

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