This was arguably the most interesting game of the World cup so far. Argentina was at their ruthless best against a very determined Super Eagles of Nigeria. The Albiceleste showed why they are regarded as one of the favorites’ to win this year’s finals. Nigeria held its’ own and looks like candidates to make it to the second round.

Here is my analysis of an exciting match which took place in Ellis Park, South Africa.

Argentina’s starting line-up:
• Sergio Romero (GK)
• Gabriel Heinze (Defender)
• Walter Samuel (Defender)
• Martin Demichelis (Defender)
• Jonas Gutierrez (Defender)
• Javier Mascherano (Midfielder)
• Juan Veron (Midfielder)
• Angel di Maria (Midfielder)
• Lionel Messi (Striker)
• Carlos Tevez (Striker)
• Gonzalo Higuain (Striker)

Coach Diego Maradona

Messi was a thorn in the flesh for the Super Eagles. His movement, control and pace was causing all sorts of problems for the Nigerian Defense. His efforts on goal brought out the very best from an outstanding Eagles goalkeeper. The likes of Tevez, Higuain and the little magician (Messi) are geniuses in their trade. They were all over the place making short passes and little one-two’s, which left the opposition defense constantly under pressure.

The vastly experienced combination of Masherano and Veron made sure everything was under control in the midfield. The midfield ran the show but were caught napping on a couple of occasions. They were not able to maintain the same tempo in the second half as the African’s came out more determined.

Gutierrez was the weakest link in what turned out to be a fairly solid defense. They played well when they had possession but not convincing under pressure. They had one or two moments when they should have been punished but the Nigerians failed to take advantage.

My verdict is a 4/5 star performance.

Nigeria’s starting line-up:
• Vincent Enyeama (Gk)
• Joseph Yobo (Defender)
• Taiye Taiwo (Defender)
• Danny Shittu (Defender)
• Chidi Odiah (Defender)
• Sanni Keita (Midfielder)
• Chinedu Obasi (Midfielder)
• Dickson Etuhu (Midfielder)
• Lukman Haruna (Midfielder)
• Obinna Nsofor (Striker)
• Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Striker)

Coach Lars Lagerback

Everton striker, Yakubu played surprisingly well. The striker looked the most dangerous for the Nigerians. His upper body strength was simply unbelievable. Nsofor and Obasi faded as the game progressed and were substituted in the second half. The introduction Of Martins, Osaze and Uche gradually started putting the argentine defense under immense pressure. This led to a defensive substitution from the Argentine camp.

Haruna did a fantastic job considering the massive talents he was up against. Sanni once again, justified his inclusion in the starting eleven with a brilliant defensive performance, even though he played on the right side of midfield. They showed too much respect for the opposition in the first half but came out entirely different in the second.

This is where I have to shower praises on the goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, who single handedly made the score line more respectable and denied Messi from scoring a hat trick. Except for the goal conceded on 6 minutes, he was absolutely brilliant. The defense as expected, found it tough to contain the South American’s. Yobo had a mixed game but Shittu was quite impressive.

My Verdict is a 3/5 star performance.

The Albiceleste came out firing on all cylinders but met a brick wall in the form of Enyeama, who was in terrific form. The match could have ended with Argentina Scoring 5 or more goals and the Nigerians getting a couple as well.

My man of the match was Vincent Enyeama of Nigeria.

Final score; Argentina (1) Nigeria (0)

I have made this analysis very brief in order not to bore you with too many details. If you have any comments, please feel free to share.

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