What: Argentina vs. Nigeria, Group B, Match 2
When: Saturday, 9:30 am ET
Where: Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
TV: ESPN, Univisión
Argentina and Nigeria aren’t World Cup strangers to one another. In USA 1994 and Korea/Japan 2002, La Albiceleste beat out the Super Eagles both times. Playing in their home continent, Nigeria will look to reverse their losing trend and exploit any relative home advantage they may have against an Argentina side that struggled in qualifying. However, the last time Argentina struggled to qualify for a World Cup, they ended up walking away with the 1986 championship. And led by World Player of the Year Lionel Messi, the South Americans are certainly one of the favorites to win it again this summer.
Argentina
Not unexpectedly, Messi is the playmaker for an Argentina squad replete with great strikers. But as fearsome as the attack might be, the front line have not really jelled. Furthermore, questions still linger about the reliability of the defense.
WATCH: ARGENTINA: TEAM PROFILE
The back line will have to step up and remain solid against a physically imposing Nigeria, who will most likely try to disrupt Argentina’s passing and launch counter attacks.
If La Albiceleste can maintain possession of the ball and open up the Super Eagles’ defense, it should be a relatively easy night the South Americans.
Nigeria
Unlike years past, Nigeria comes into this tournament a better defensive team than an offensive one. Led by a solid back four and a highly underrated goalkeeper, Nigeria might prove to be one of the best teams defensively in the tournament. The Super Eagles also aren’t too shabby up top, but they are seriously lacking in the midfield department, which is where Argentina will kill them.
WATCH: NIGERIA: TEAM PROFILE
Therefore, it shouldn’t be a surprise if Nigeria sit back and try to absorb Argentina’s best punches. The Super Eagles would be happy to walk away with a draw—and a win would be more than superb—but the African squad are really banking on winning the last two games of the group to qualify for the second round.
Key Players
Argentina: Lionel Messi. La Pulga is, of course, the player to watch for Argentina and the tournament. His success with club team Barcelona has not translated to the national team, though, and all eyes are on him on world’s biggest stage. Can he silence the critics?
Nigeria: Peter Odemwingie. It’s no secret that the speedy midfielder/forward will try to be the spark the ignites the Nigerian offense. He’s no Messi, but he’s the Super Eagles’ best option up top.
Final Analysis
Nigeria’s lack of a solid midfield will allow Argentina to hold possession of the ball. The best option for the Super Eagles will be to try and close the spaces so as not to let anyone, especially Messi, run freely. In the end, Argentina will prove too much to handle for Nigeria.
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