Nigeria vs Argentina: What we can expect - Preview and Prediction

Argentina are extremely lucky to have Lionel Messi in their side, having amassed 6 out of the 6 available points from the two games, even after struggling to break down the defences of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran for the better part of the games. They were undone by the experimental 3-5-2 formation in the first half against the Bosnian’s, while against the resilient Iranians for over 90 minutes, they struggled to convert their chances even after having considerable possession, that is until a little genius decided to take things in his own hand.

Going by the way things have been at this year’s World Cup, The Super Eagles winning this tie with a 2-goal margin and topping their group ahead of the Albicelestes can certainly not be ruled out. But an attack which has just scored a solitary goal in the opening two games is not really expected to threaten the Argentine back line.

Venue

Estadio Beira-Rio or Estádio José Pinheiro Borda is is located on reclaimed land near the Guaiba River in Porto Alegre and gets its name ‘The Riverside Stadium’ from here. It is the biggest stadium in South Brazil and bears the nick-name “Gigante do Beira-Rio” or the The Giant of Beira-Rio. The stadium has undergone extensive renovation to host 5 games in the 2014 FIFA World Cup including one from the Round of 16 knockout stage.

The stadium is home for Sport Club Internacional, after having replaced their previous stadium Estadio dos Eucaliptos. After the completion of all renovation and refurbishments, the stadium has the capacity to hold a total of 43,394 people.

Kickoff time

June 15 – 01:00 pm – Local Time (Brazil)

June 21 – 09:30 pm – Indian Standard Time (IST)

Possible Starting Line Ups

Argentina (4-3-3): Romero; Zabaleta, Fernandez, Garay, Basanta; Rodriguez, Mascherano, Di Maria; Messi, Higuain, Aguero.

The 4-3-3 that was played against Iran in the second match is expected not to be tinkered with. As the Albicelestes have already secured qualification, some big names may be rested or a few others may be given the chance to shine in Brazil. Marcos Rojo, who is just a booking away from missing their next game, is set to be dropped to avoid losing him in the latter stages of the competition, Jose Basanta the 30-year-old experienced defender is expected to take his place.

Fernando Gago could be yet another one of the players who could be rested for the game, after having struggled with fitness lately, and Maxi Rodriguez may be seen filling up for him.

Nigeria (4-2-3-1): Enyeama; Ambrose, Yobo, Oboabona, Oshaniwa; Moses, Mikel, Onazi, Musa, Odemwingie; Emenike.

Stephen Keshi will be seen tinkering with his team that won over Bosnia and Herzegovina, with centre-back Godfrey Oboabona’s return to fitness will see him start alongside Joseph Yobo, who is set to win his 100th cap for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria who only need to avoid defeat to qualify, will look to Vincent Enyeama to continue with his heroics, making them the only team in this year’s competition not to concede a goal, having made seven astonishing saves against the Bosnian’s and the solitary one against Iran. It is their questionable attack that will again be put to test, having scored just the one goal in the first two games of the tournament.

Key Facts

Nigeria only need to avoid a defeat to make it to the knock-out stages, while Argentina also need to avoid a defeat to top their Group and avoid France in the Round of 16 tie.
The Albicelestes have won all the previous three meetings involving the two sides so far in the history of the World Cup.
The Super Eagles have lost four and won only one game in their last six encounters against Argentina in all competitions.
Argentina lost their first ever World Cup game against an African opposition when they were beaten by Cameroon in 1990. Ever since then, they have won all four games against African opponents in the competition.
The Super Eagles have never managed to beat a South American side in four attempts at the World Cup. They have only managed a solitary win, against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their last 10 World Cup outings.
In their last 14 World Cup group stage matches, Argentina have been victorious on 11 occasions, while losing just once. They have scored a total of 27 goals in these games and have conceded only five goals in total. However, in the last six matches played against the Super Eagles, the men in Blue and White have only managed to find the back of the net 8 times, a dismal average of 1.3 per game.
In his last seven appearances for the Albicelestes, Messi has scored eight goals. The Super Eagles on the other hand have prevented their World Cup opponents from scoring a goal.
This Argentine side will be looking to emulate their performance in the 2010 World Cup, when under Diego Maradona they managed to win all their group games. However, their knock-out stage performance is something the current team would not be inclined to emulate.
Key Battles

John Obi Mikel vs Javier Mascherano

This battle in the centre of the pitch between the two defensive mid-fielders may well prove to be pivotal in which way the tie shifts. Mikel also has the added burden to keep the frontline of Messi, Aguero and Higuain silent, an impossible task in itself. The team will be looking at Mikel to step his game up in this enthralling contest.

Messi, Higuain and Aguero vs Vincent Enyeama

If you had not heard of Vincent Enyeama and are calling him a revelation, let me assure you that is not the case, the 31-year-old has been brilliant for LOSC Lille in the past two seasons. Enyeama, who helped Nigeria become the only team in this editions World Cup to not concede as yet, can expect a very busy day in office. While, Yobo and Oboabona will have to be at the best of their games to keep the misfiring front line of Argentina to get into the rhythm.

Prediction

After having already sealed qualification, Alejandro Sabella’s men will be looking to ensure that they top the group and avoid facing France in the Round of 16-tie. A draw is required by the Super Eagles to ensure their qualification, while a win with a 2-goal advantage, will see them top the group ahead of Argentina, however going by their rather dismal goal-scoring form, that is something we can rule out, however, a goal fest is something which can never be ruled out, not in this World Cup.

Predicted Scoreline: Nigeria 0 - 1 Argentina

Match Officials

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy)

Assistant Referee 1: Renato Faverani (Italy)

Assistant Referee 2: Andrea Stefani (Italy)

Fourth Official: Svein Oddvar Moen (Norway)