An exciting win for Argentina today as the two teams met head to head for the first time in eight years in this intense matchup.
What we expected?
A fun Game between two great teams. Although Nigeria hasn’t had the greatest run lately, they should really take it to the next level with this game and show Africa what its made of. On the Argentina side, we’re really looking at Juan Veron, and Intermilan’s Diego Milito to really bring excitement and grace to the game. On the Nigerian side, Dickson Etuhu and Yobo’s brute strength and endurance will be a huge challenge for Argentina.
First Half
Excitement we wanted, Excitement we got. Lionel Messi and Gabriel Heinze, our personal MVPs for this game, were on fire. From the start Messi put on the pressure and sent blazes of fire passed the net at least three times that we saw in the first half of the game. But it wasn’t until the sixth minute, that former Manchester United & Real Madrid defender Gabriel Heinze got Argentina started with a powerful header off a corner kick that sent Argentina on its road to victory. Honorable mentions goes out to Veron who bent a right-footed cross to Heinze who was wide open at the time. With so much attention on Messi, it left other brilliant players wide open to claim victory.
Nigeria surprised us, even with a couple of chances handed over by the Argentina defense they were unable to connect throughout the first half.
Second Half
A lot of pressure for the Nigerian team as the second half opened with a stat by ESPN coverage stating Argentina has never lost a World Cup game it has led at halftime since 1930. The second half of the game was predictable with Messi and Enyeama battling it out and Messi not quite being able to get one past the defender. On the Nigerian side, Uche had a slight chance at minute 83 but was left with a disappointing kick that sent the ball straight over the bar.
What’s Next?
An exciting matchup ahead as we see what happens when the two winners Argentina & South Korea go head to head on June 17 at 7:15 ET. Can Greece & Nigeria surprise us with an exciting game at 9:45 ET? We’ll just have to see!
