FIFA World Cup 2018: Argentina vs. Nigeria - June 26 [R]

Argentina vs Nigeria

Argentina Match 39 Nigeria
26 June 2018
21:00 UTC+3 ( 11:00 AM PST / 2:00 PM EST)



Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg (64,468 Capacity)

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Head-to-Head Statistics:

- Matches Played: 8 (Official FIFA games)
- 5 Argentina wins, 2 Nigeria wins (both friendlies), 1 tie
- In World Cups: 4 Argentina wins (1994: 2-1, 2002: 1-0, 2010: 1-0, 2014: 3-2)



- Additionally, 2 Olympic football finals have been decided between the two (1996: 3-2 Nigeria win, 2008: 1-0 Argentina win)



Nigeria's Form:

- Dominated in CAF WCQ. After proceeding to the final group stage with a 2-0 aggregate score vs. Swaziland, Nigeria finished on top of Group B (which they shared with Zambia, Cameroon, and Algeria) virtually undefeated. They registered one official loss due to fielding an ineligible player, but the game that was played actually finished 1-1. Other than that, they had all wins except for one tie vs. Cameroon.

- Failed to qualify to the last two CAF African Cup of Nations (2015 & 2017). However, in their most recent participation (2013), they were crowned champions of the tournament.

- Were finalists of the 2018 African Nations Championship, which they lost 4-0 to Morocco. However, it is worth noting that only domestic players are allowed to participate in said tournament, and thus doesn't reflect their full strength squad's potential.

- Surprised Argentina with a 4-2 win in a friendly just 7 months ago. While it is true that Sampaoli did some experiments and Messi didn't play, it should serve as a strong warning to not underestimate the African side.

- Arriving in poor form in terms of 2018 results: besides losing their opening Group D game vs. Croatia (0-2), the "Super Eagles" have registered losses vs. Serbia, the Czech Republic, and England in friendlies. They did, however, beat Poland 1-0 in their own home in a friendly in March.

 

Yes, all final games from the same group are scheduled at the same time.

Both games are at the same time, but even then a tie wouldn't be bad for Nigeria since Iceland would have to beat Croatia by a 3 goal difference to pass them in standings. Highly unlikely, unless Croatia purposely self-destructs to eliminate Argentina in order to avoid them in future rounds.

Nigeria is going to sit back and play on the quick counter, it is obvious. They know Argentina is going to play very offensively and with desperation from the start, and they're going to use that to their benefit like Croatia did in the second half.

 

One reminder: towards the end of WCQ, everyone was in panic mode. Come the Peru game: we tie 0-0, look horrible, and depend in a near impossible win in Ecuador (while looking at other results) to make it to the WC. There's no hope. We suck. We're the worst in the world. We don't deserve to go through.

Messi appears. 3 goals. We make it to the WC.

Well here we are in Group D... We lost to Croatia 3-0. There's no hope. We suck. We're the worst in the world. We don't deserve to go through.

Messi, all eyes on you.