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Marcos Rojo was the unlikely hero as he scored a magnificent goal late to see Argentina to a 2-1 win against Nigeria Tuesday, to secure second place in Group D at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and send the African home home.
Victor Moses' penalty in the second half canceled Lionel Messi's first move in the 14th minute at St Petersburg Stadium, and Argentina seemed to be moving towards the group stage.
But a side volley consisting of Rojo in the 86th minute snatched the three points for Argentina and set them aside in the first knockout round.
Marcos Rojo shows Gonzalo Higuain how things are
This should not have been a so late escape for La Albiceleste. They had the opportunity to conclude the game earlier, but they wereted. And no player has done more than the number 9 Gonzalo Higuain.
The Juventus striker has never known his best form in his national team jersey, and there will be big questions as to whether the camp should include him in the starting lineup for the next round following Tuesday's performance:
Jimmy Conrad @JimmyConrad
I am always incredulous that Higuain has become Full Higuain.
You never want to go Full Higuain.
Chris Winterburn @cmwinterburn
The conviction of Mauro Icardi at home is a highlight. Marcos Rojo contributed more as coach in five minutes than Gonzalo Higuain throughout the tournament.
Mark Ogden @MarkOgden_
Messi to Higuain, for a chance that Aguero would have scored. Higuain shot saved …
When Argentina finally found its winner, it was the unexpected Rojo from the penalty spot, and he finished at 12 meters with the precision of a seasoned forward:
Gabriel Mercado provided a magnificent ball into the penalty area, but Manchester United still had a lot of work to do.
While the ball was thrown, there would have been a lot of Argentines deploring the fact that it was not Higuain or Sergio Aguero in the box, but Rojo proved that he had the perfect technique at good time.
Lionel Messi only needs Banega to shine
Messi spent most of Argentina's 3-0 defeat by Croatia, who struggled to take control of the ball.
In the disconcerting absence of Sevilla's playmaker Ever Banega, there was no one to find the winner of the Golden Ball five times, and he had little influence on the game, according to OptaJavier:
OptaJavier @OptaJavier
49 – Lionel #Messi ?? had only 49 touchdowns against #CRO; less than in any #WorldCup game in which he played more than 70 minutes. Blocked. https://t.co/ivy6dUiRil
When Banega created Messi for his great opening match in the 14th minute, it was a surprise to many.
Sam Tighe @stighefootball
Much, much better than #ARG. Messi and Banega have found their way, so chances are created. Etebo goes well for #NGA too. #World Cup
The Barcelona superstar still had a lot to do and took two skillful touches before shooting through Nigeria's goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and in the corner of the goal.
But he had to be found beyond the defense, and Banega chose him with a perfect ball.
The midfielder was less influential Albiceleste were put under the cosh by Nigeria in the second half, and so was Messi accordingly.
But if Argentina is now going to go deep into the competition, the 29-year-old athlete must stay on the side.
Nigeria Can Peak in Qatar 2022
GABRIEL BOUYS / Getty Images
Tuesday's loss will be difficult for the Super Eagles, as they had the chance to take the lead.
They harassed Argentina for their pace and verve in the second half, and the equalizer of Moses on the spot was as cool as possible.
However, there are positives for Nigeria to take from the tournament.
Twice they rallied at halftime, and twice they nearly did it – they beat Iceland 2-0 last Friday with two goals after the break.
And, as the youngest team in the World Cup average, they can look forward to the excitement of Qatar 2022.
They went from the front to the toe with Argentina and are almost gone through, and the likes of 22-year-old Oghenekaro Etebo, 21 years old Wilfred Ndidi and 19 years old Uzoho will be better players for this.
What's next?
In what appears to be an enticing meeting in the last 16, Argentina will face France in Kazan Arena on Saturday.
For the Super Eagles, however, it's the end of the road as they bow to Russia in 2018 after finishing third in Group D.
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