FIRST TEAM
06/12/2010

Argentina beat Nigeria as Messi runs the show

Thanks to a strong performance by Lionel Messi, World Cup hopefuls Argentina won their opening Group B games against Nigeria 1-0.

It was a difficult start for the 'Super Eagles'. After a corner from the right, Gabriel Heinze headed Argentina into a sixth minute lead. In the 29th minute, Hoffeheim's Chinedu Obasi started making an impact offensively, and his shot went wide of the far post after some good combination play. From then on, it was Messi versus Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

After 38 minutes, only Enyeama's fingertips prevented Messi's curler making it 2-0; however, he would have been powerless had the FC Barcelona ace's effort on goal had been on target after 66 minutes. Nigeria became more of an attcking threat as the match went on. Taiwo was wasteful on 72 minutes after being set up by Odemwingie's cross, before Enyeama once again denied Messi on 82 minutes with a smart block. Ultimately it was a deserved victory for Argentina. The other game in the group between South Korea and Greece ended 2-0 to the former.

 

Download Now!
Print Page to top