Nigeria v Argentina, 26th June, 7pm(GMT)

[JJ1532]

What a game this poses to be. Nigeria put themselves in a great position to qualify for the last 16 after their comfy win over Iceland. They'll know that a point more than likely gets them through, but can they risk it given they won't know how Iceland are getting on?

As for Argentina, their task is simple. They need to win, nothing else is enough. Can they somehow regroup and get past Nigeria, or have they left themselves with too much to do?

So, are the Argies heading out, or can Messi and co save their skins?

 

[SALTIRE]

Do we think Argentina will do this? I can't see it unfortunately.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Higuain over Aguero is an eyebrow raiser, as is Rojo back in defence, but it’s a good idea to simplify things by going 4-4-2. Nigeria can hurt this Argentina side though, with their pace and power, providing that Nigeria turns up of course..

 

[JJ1532]

I think it's possible. I doubt Croatia lose against Iceland and Argentina, when alls said and done, have a better group of individuals than Nigeria. But do they have a better team? Maybe not.

All they need though is to win a one off game. I can see that happening.

Makes me laugh though that all the talk is on Messi. But what about Higuain, Aguero, Di Maria, Banega, Otamendi, Mascherano. They are all very good players in their own right. With Ronaldo and Portugal, nobody else holds a candle to him.

But with Argentina, those listed might not be Messi's standard, but they would all look comfortable in most of the top club teams in the world. Why do they get a free pass whilst Messi gets slated? They need to step up just as much as he does.

 

[Chris FGR]

Do we think Argentina will do this? I can't see it unfortunately.

I hope so, would love to see Messi spark into life. I'm a massive fan of his so although I quite like Nigeria, I'm supporting the Argies tonight. Ubelievably.

This World Cup goes to another level if Messi turns up, or more importantly Argentina give him proper service.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

I hope so, would love to see Messi spark into life. I'm a massive fan of his so although I quite like Nigeria, I'm supporting the Argies tonight. Ubelievably.

This World Cup goes to another level if Messi turns up.

Agree. Although I do quite enjoy a good giant killing too..

 

[Chris FGR]

Not so bothered about giant killings in World Cups, I just wanna see all the best players/top teams facing off at their best.

The underdogs who get through tend to be pretty defensive and make the knockout games boring.

 

[Chris FGR]

MESSI!!!!

GET IN THERE MY SON.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Superb goal! Ball over the top. Touch. Finish.

 

[JJ1532]

Not hard is it? Get him some service and let him do his thing. Cracking bit of movement, great touch and a decent finish.

 

[Renegade]

Two intricate touches before the ball even hits the ground to create space for himself. Sumptuous.

 

[JJ1532]

Messi has been excellent so far. Don't think he's given the ball away, all of Argentina's best moves have come through him.

 

[blademan89]

Messi has been excellent so far. Don't think he's given the ball away, all of Argentina's best moves have come through him.

Apart from his 1st touch he passed straight out, and another 2 maybe 3 passes. Don't start sounding like jermaine jenas, good goal though and yes he has been much much better than his other 2 games. Being the best player ever he should produce eventually, anyway come on Iceland or nigeria get a goal and knock the argies out

 

[Liam_SWFC]

This Messi rimming is a it much, good first half yes, but they way they are going off is ridiculous. Maradonna on the coke again I see ffs.

 

[blademan89]

This Messi rimming is a it much, good first half yes, but they way they are going off is ridiculous. Maradonna on the coke again I see ffs.

It's gone beyond embarrassing now at half time, I might have to turn it off it's that cringeworthy

 

[Dirk]

Maradona is pure Comedy gold. More interesting to watch him (sleeping or praying ) than watching this Argentina team.

OK one genius moment from Messi though. But tbh this is a geriatric team (average age today : 30.5, oldest in the tournament.)
I am still hoping that Nigeria equalises (although unlikely atm) or Island winning against Croatia.

 

[Super_horns]

Wonder how Argentina will play this - go for more goals or sit back and hope Nigeria/Iceland don't score .

 

[Renegade]

This Messi rimming is a it much, good first half yes, but they way they are going off is ridiculous. Maradonna on the coke again I see ffs.

They do this every time Ronaldo or Messi even walk on a pitch. Standard.

 

[blademan89]

Come onnnnnn

 

[Pagnell]

Stonewall. When will these idiots learn. Dear me Masc.

Fuck off is it harsh. Dick.

 

[blademan89]

Stonewall. When will these idiots learn. Dear me Masc.

Fuck off is it harsh. Dick.

Terrible comentator

 

[Pagnell]

Fantastic penalty by Moses, very calm. Come on Nigeria. Feel for Messi, but can't ever root for Argentina.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Go on Nigeria, see this through now.

 

[Laker]

Mascherano was beyond stupid. Must do Messi’s head in that his team let him down all the time.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Nigeria have got them right where they want them, just got to keep from frustrating and winding the clock down. Musa on the break later on in the game could catch them out.

 

[blademan89]

Brilliant 2nd half from Nigeria. Not a pen that well done ref

 

[JJ1532]

Thank god, some common sense. Never a penalty.

 

[Pagnell]

Referee rightly ruling it wasn't a penalty after seeing the footage. Worked well for a change.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Ref was gonna give that before he got a look at the second angle, right decision but I hope they scrap this bollocks after the tournament.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Higuain has been awful so far. He really should be performing and at least be involved more in this huge game. What a chance he missed. This is why I’m not keen on him..