By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports
Match Review
It was an eagerly anticipated match-up between Argentina with their South American artistry and Nigeria with their African flair. In the end, it was Argentina who just managed to nick an unconvincing 1-0 victory in this encounter.
The match exploded into life in the opening exchanges with both sides setting out to attack. Nigerian winger Chinedu Obasi fired wide from an acute angle in the second minute but from there on it was all Argentina.
Firstly, Gonzalo Higuain fired wide on three minutes before Lionel Messi’s curling effort was tipped over by Nigeria keeper Vincent Enyeama two minutes later. Their pressure paid off on six minutes when Juan Sebastian Veron’s resulting corner picked out an unmarked Gabriel Heinze who produced a superb diving header into the top left corner of the goal.
Argentina continued to attack as Messi and Higuain had further efforts saved while Nigeria’s solitary opportunity saw Obasi fire wide after a good team move.
In the second half, a superb counter attack on 65 minutes saw Argentina outnumbered Nigeria in the final attacking third but Lionel Messi fired wide of the post from just inside the box.
Nigeria threw on a trio of fast forwards — Obafemi Martins, Peter Odemwingie and Kalu Uche — to add more pace to their attack in the last 20 minutes. Full back Taye Taiwo fired wide of the left hand post on 71 minutes before Obafemi Martin’s long range effort was palmed away by Argentina keeper Sergio Romero six minutes later. Kalu Uche wasted a last opportunity as he volleyed over the bar on 81 minutes.
The result means Nigeria lie in third position in Group B, just above bottom-placed Greece on goal difference. The next Group B fixtures see Argentina take on South Korea in a top-of-the-table clash while Nigeria take on Greece to prevent early elimination.
Next, Group B pundits Victoria Junior College’s Khairul Anwar and Alfred Ali provide us their post-match opinions. Both of them had predicted 3-0 victories for Argentina.
Khairul Anwar of VJC. (Photo © Les Tan/Red Sports)
Khairul Says:
Nigeria played above themselves and fought valiantly despite succumbing to Argentina narrowly. They had exemplary performances from goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and full back Taye Taiwo. If not for Enyeama, Nigeria would have lost by a much greater margin. Taiwo at times single-handedly foiled the Argentina attacks. Good job, Nigeria.
Although the win was very much a team effort, Argentina still underperformedm in my opinion. Their performance on the pitch did not reflect a team blessed with such talent and it looked like just another repeat of their earlier friendly warm-ups prior to the World Cup. A lacklustre performance overall by Argentina.
Nonetheless this was an exciting match to watch.
Alfred Ali of VJC. (Photo 4 © Les Tan/Red Sports)
Alfred Says:
Lionel Messi demonstrated he could transfer his club form at Barcelona to the world stage. Constantly a thorn in Nigeria’s ass, he ghosted past players at will and created numerous chances for his side. He combined well with Higuain and Tevez a couple of times and could have scored a couple of goals, only to be denied by Nigeria keeper Vincent Enyeama.
Argentina displayed their undeniable attacking talent, creating numerous chances and often cutting through Nigeria like a knife through butter. However the big man in the Nigerian goalpost denied them time after time with his superb fast reactions and bravery.
Argentina’s inability to kill the game off almost cost them the three points, with Enyeama pulling save after save to keep Nigeria in the game.
I feel that Gonzalo Higuain had a good game and was unlucky not to score midway through the first half after being put through on goal. He held the ball well upfront while waiting for support to come and was a constant terror to the Nigerian defence.
Nigerian substitute Obafemi Martins was full of energy from the moment he came in. His speed was a menacing threat to Argentina’s defense, constantly bringing the ball down the flanks and putting crosses in. Nigeria’s Haruna played like a destroyer, disrupting Argentina’s attack on countless times.
Man of the Match: Vincent Enyeama
Even though Lionel Messi looked at his scintillating best at times, he, along with a number of his team-mates, were denied by the fantastic Enayama who prevented Argentina from scoring at will.
Without him between the posts, Argentina would have cruised to a 5-0 or 6-0 win. Before the game, many predicted Enyeama would be annihilated by Messi, but he proved them wrong with his brilliant performance.
More Reports and Reactions
Argentina coach Diego Maradona speaks
Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback speaks
Pictures from Day 2
Video highlights of the game
| GROUP B | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ARGENTINA  | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 9 |
SOUTH KOREA  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
GREECE  | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 3 |
NIGERIA  | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 1 |
For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/
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