In a sentence
Argentina deservedly win after a finish far nervier than it should have been.
Don’t concede like that
The underdog must at least force the favourite to work for their goals. Instead, Argentina were gifted a goal through mindless marking. The stuff of managers’ nightmares.
Don’t waste your set-pieces
When you aren’t creating much, set-pieces are precious opportunites. Nigeria did next to nothing with theirs, failing to test an Argentinian defense which might have been vulnerable.
The man who stopped Messi
Vincent Enyeama made several brilliant saves, showing superb athleticism. He was reportedly once close to joining Arsenal and more shot-stopping like this will put him back in the shop window.
Forget his problems for Argentina, fans of other teams should start to get worried about Messi (or just enjoy the show?)
He may not have scored but he did look dangerous on almost every occasion he touched the ball. Better teams will make life harder for him (perhaps John Obi Mikel would have done) but he will run rampage against Greece and South Korea.
Keeping the ball forever
During some of Argentina’s periods of posession, you doubted whether Nigeria would ever get the ball again. Spain aside, does any other side in the tournament have the capacity to keep the ball this well?
The moment – Uche’s miss
Eight minutes to go and Uche has a great chance to nick an undeserved point for Nigeria but misses wildly.
What next?
Argentina will win their two other group games and they should score a hatful in the process. Nigeria will need a result in their final game with South Korea and will find that harder than they expect.
Also see: Argentina 1-0 Nigeria (Video Highlights)
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