Last gasp goal by Marcos Rojo rescues Argentina in thrilling victory over Nigeria
Updated by admin on
Wednesday, June 27, 2018 01:09 PM IST
Russia:
A last-gasp goal by Marcos Rojo gave Argentina a thrilling 2-1 victory over Nigeria in Group D on Tuesday, saving the Argentines from an early exit from the World Cup. Nigeria was thus edged out from the knock-out stage, while Argentina play France in the last 16. In another close encounter, Croatia overcame a stiff challenge from Iceland to remain top of the group and enter the knock-out stage, to take on Denmark.
Lionel Messi managed to score his first goal of the tournament in the 14th minute, receiving a long pass but struggled to show his form. However, Nigeria equaled six minutes after halt time, , when Javier Mascherano fouled Leon Balogun in the penalty area. Victor Moses scored the penalty kick.
A tenacious Nigerian team thwarted Argentina and posed fresh challenges. A draw would have meant the exit of Argentina and Nigeria would be through. With just four minutes to go, Gabriel Mercado provided a splendid cross, and the unmarked Rojo, thriving on a defence lapse, slammed the ball into the goal.
