Argentina are through to the last-16 of the World Cup.
The South Americans finished second in Group D thanks to a dramatic win over Nigeria. Lionel Messi gave Argentina the lead in the first-half with a superbly-taken goal, but they never looked confident.
Javier Mascherano kept giving the ball away, Angel Di Maria played poorly and the lead never felt secure. Just after half-time, Nigeria won a penalty, which was dispatched by Victor Moses, and Argentina appeared to be on their way home.
A football genius, and Lionel Messi, have delivered for Argentina! #WorldCup #ARG pic.twitter.com/YcHq3VlE4d
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 26, 2018
However, Marcos Rojo popped up at the end to score a volley from 12-yards out, giving his side a priceless lead with just four minutes to go. They held on to advance as runners-up behind Croatia and will play France on Saturday in the last-16.
There were jubilant scenes amongst the Argentina players at full-time, but their manager didn’t join in with the celebrations. Jorge Sampaoli stormed straight down the tunnel.
There are reports that the senior players in the squad have fallen out with Sampaoli. There were even suggestions that he could be sacked following the 3-0 defeat to Croatia last week.
He celebrated Argentina’s winner alone.
Nigeria 1-2 Argentina – Marcus Rojo put Argentina back in front with a wonderful volley #rtesoccer #WorldCup #NGA #ISL pic.twitter.com/oQif5vaSeO
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 26, 2018
If there is a rift between the squad and their manager, it’s possible they might put it behind them now that they’re into the knockout stages.
The RTÉ panel discuss the plight that Argentina manager Jorge Sampaoli still finds himself in, despite his side's progress to the last 16 of the World Cup #rtesoccer #worldcup #ARG #NGA pic.twitter.com/iXlitRdRHf
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 26, 2018
