Supp. Fourteen 'The Weight on Messi's Shoulders'

Argentina went in to their campaign-defining clash against a vibrant Nigerian side in turmoil both on and off the pitch. Lionel Messi had ceased to exist thus far in the tournament, and the side marred by a lack of defensive cohesion and anything resembling a solid midfield looked destined for an early exit from the tournament.

Throughout the week before this clash there had been rumblings of discontent amongst the Argentinian camp toward their manager Sampaoli and his approach - some reports even suggested he would have no influence over the makeup of the starting 11 as he appeared to emerge ever closer to a dismissal from his post as manager by the hour. The reports proved incorrect in the end, however, and the 58 year old named an 11 he believed could salvage the Argentinians from embarrassment, enforcing several changes from those who had played in the previous games. Sevilla midfielder and talisman Ever Banega came into a midfield two alongside the quickly ageing Javier Mascherano in place of Lazio’s Lucas Biglia. Sampaoli opted for the presence of Banega in midfield to offer some greater attacking intent which the side had blatantly been lacking in the first two fixtures, and the inclusion of Banega would play a sizable part in the creation of Argentina’s opening goal which came through Lionel Messi just thirteen minutes in. A delightful first touch to kill the ball’s movement came before a second touch of dreams set the ball in Messi’s path to send it goalward, beating Nigerian keeper Uzoho with the most convincing of finishes - the Barcelona man had finally announced himself when it really mattered, as many had expected. Argentina started the game at a tempo many in the crowd donning and blue and white would have hoped for. There was undoubtedly a greater urgency about this side which we had simply not seen before in any of the previous two games or indeed during their nervy qualifying campaign. After Messi’s goal, a hugely important one, both sides began to settle in the match as the Nigerians started to offer more in possession. Ahmed Musa was a player who particularly caught the eye with his darting runs across the Argentine back four and with his blistering pace; although failing to emulate his two goal appearance against Iceland, the former Leicester winger looked among the very brightest representing the Africans. Argentina could not quite capitalize on their dominance and began to fade as the exuberant Super Eagles threatened on more than one occasion.

Half time came and went, and just six minutes into the second half, Mascherano, defending a corner and marking the towering Troost-Ekong, brought the Nigerian defender down and was not only given a yellow card but a penalty was awarded to the Africans. Chelsea’s English-raised wing-back Victor Moses struck from the spot past 31 year old debutant Franco Armani and Argentine hearts the world over ceased to function: it became a distinct possibility that La Albiceleste would be leaving Russia embarrassingly in the Group Stage.

That narrative held on for a further thirty minutes as the Nigerians stood firm and protected their goal at all costs. With five minutes of normal time to go and with the millions of Argentine fans in disbelief, Messi’s side pressed forward. A ball found its way to fullback Gabriel Mercado who delivered a sumptuous ball at the first time of asking into the heart of the 18-yard box - shockingly, it was met by Manchester United centre half Marcos Rojo who sweetly struck a weak-footed volley in the bottom corner of the Nigerian goal beyond their 19 year old goalkeeper. The stadium, and I would venture to suggest the entirety of Argentina, exploded into mayhem and celebrated their salvation at the tournament. Legend Diego Maradona celebrated so violently that he was later hospitalised - an embodiment of the feeling which would have spread throughout their fiercely passionate fan base.

It is a great shame that we must see the back of such an exciting Nigerian side, and it would have been fantastic to see them attempt to rock the boat against a bigger team in the round of 16 - perhaps in four years time they can do so. As for Argentina, it will be very interesting to see how far they can go. Shaky, unorganised and chaotic, much like they were in 2014, it will be shocking if they make it deep in the tournament - but, with Leo Messi in the side anything is possible.

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Elsewhere, Peru beat Australia 2-0 as both sides said goodbye to Russia. Captain and controversial figure Paolo Guerrero struck alongside Watford winger Andre Carrillo to end their spell on a high note. France also did their critics a few favours by playing out a largely disappointing draw against the Danish in Moscow. Despite the result, both sides will progress to the knockout rounds from the group. Deschamps side have been very disappointing thus far and lack a true in form goalscorer, something they will need if they wish to go far. One of their talented group must stand up.

Iceland, who would have progressed had Argentina lost, took on Croatia in Rostov on-don. The Croatians made it three from three however with goals from long term Man United target Ivan Perisic and midfielder Badelj. An impressive showing from the European side one again cementing their claims to be considered a real threat at the tournament and moving into the knockout stages. As we say goodbye to half the teams, the tournament will heat up and the football to come will be the best yet. The next two days see the final group games take place as we will find out if Brazil can progress and see if Belgium or England will top their tight group.