Argentina v. Nigeria 1-0 13/Jun/10

First Round, Second Game, Group B, Day 2. (4 of 64)


Barcelona mega star at his best.
[Photo: Mirror Football]


In a pretty moved match, Maradona's men got an easy result to go second in the table after the one-nil win against their African opposition of Nigeria. The match was itself quite entertaining; Messi and company tried hard to double or triple the lead. Indeed it was the little Barcelona forward who at least got denied in three occasions by the Hapoel keeper Vincent Enyeama. The feat of the Nigerian stopper was by far as equal as the efforts form the Golden Ball winner.

After the match at Nelson Mandela Bay Maradona's men secured the second place. Nevertheless the fact that in this match the "home" team got just one goal may play a part with the crucial goal difference, although that remains to be seen. Following matches take place in Bloemfontein and Johannesburg: in the first venue, the former EURO Champions Greece will host Nigeria; in the latter Argentina will take Korea in what probably is the deciding match of this group due to the previous results.



Heinze the scorer.
[Photo: Mirror Football]


In the very beginning, in the 2nd minute, Obasi tried luck with a wide shot after a lovely trick. The following minutes proved to be vital: Enyeama saved his team with a vital reaction from a Messi shot. Previously Higuaín scrapped a clear chance created by the Barcelona forward. From the corner of that Messi shot came the only goal of the match. Heinze took advantage of the awful marking and threw himself to make a diving header that only saw the back of the net.

After the stunner, things looked troublesome for the Africans as they got themselves acquainted with the full offensive prowess of the Argentinian attack. With the spectacular runs from Messi and the threat of Higuaín the Nigerians only made a single attempt through the left side, again with Obasi. If it was not for the lack of firepower the "visitors" had, probably a quick succession of passes could have dealt a major blow to the slow Argentinian defence.


Messi shot twice, as Enyeama was converting into a local hero. His efforts, particularly when he denied the shot on the 37th minute, were outstanding. In the following part, in the very beginning again, the Americans had the chance to double their lead, but again, the effort was not worth the chance. Lagerback's men were not shy to attack and put in troubles several times Romero's defensive apparatus. It was not until the 65th that Argentina could break through down the right side with Tévez - again Messi tried to the far post.

Far from being brilliant - unlike their counterparts- the Nigerian attacks nearly got them the equaliser, in the 65th minute, when Taiwo's shot went just wide. With the attacks from the Africans increasing Messi found spaces throughout their opposition's defence and clearly exploited them. As he advanced through the lines the outstanding effort from Enyeama denied him the goal.