World Cup 2018: 4 things Argentina could do in order to beat Nigeria

Argentina have been really poor in the World Cup this term, failing to earn a victory in their 2 group stage matches of the tournament. The Albiceleste found themselves in a critical situation when their terrible performances almost exposed them to an early exit from the competition.

Argentina vs Nigeria Live | World Cup 2018

But fortunately, Nigeria defeated Iceland 2-0 in their recent encounter to throw the qualification race wide open and better Argentina's chances of progressing into the knockout phase. In their final game of the group stage, the Albiceleste need to defeat Nigeria and hope Iceland don't get a good result against Croatia in order to progress.

The African giants were very impressive in their recent clash against Iceland, with Ahmed Musa stepping up and scoring a brilliant brace to seal all 3 points for his nation. The Super Eagles are full of confidence at the moment, after securing 3 points and occupying the second position on the Group D table.

The game against Nigeria will not be an easy one for Argentina as the Super Eagles will also fight for the chance to advance to the next stage. Therefore, we take a look at 4 things the Albiceleste will need in order to defeat their rivals and make it into the second round of World Cup.

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#4 Tactical brilliance

Jorge Sampaoli needs a perfect strategy to redeem Argentina's World Cup hopes

There is no denying that Jorge Sampaoli's job is under serious threat due to the mediocre performances of his team in the World Cup this year.

However, the manager has a great chance to save his reputation if he can defeat Nigeria by an adequate margin and secure Argentina's passage into the knockout phase.

The game against the African giants will not be an easy ride, therefore Sampaoli must get his tactics right in order to get a favorable result against the Super Eagles. The manager must try to fit Paulo Dybala and Lionel Messi in the same formation and provide an adequate atmosphere for the Barcelona playmaker to operate.

Nigeria are very vulnerable at set-pieces and counter-attacks, therefore Sampaoli must explore these weaknesses in his game plan and also work on improving the overall performances of his team.

#3 Playing with Lionel Messi

With Messi, anything is possible for the Albiceleste

Barcelona playmaker Lionel Messi has been a mere shadow of himself in the World Cup this year. The attacker has been barely involved during Argentina's last 2 games in the competition, recording no goal and no assist to his name.

However, despite his recent struggles, Messi is still one of the most talented players on the planet. On his day, he can single-handedly take on the Super Eagles, dismantle their defense and lead his nation to a famous victory in Russia. He did that in 2014, bagging an incredible brace to defeat the African giants, and he can do it once again.

But first, Argentina must provide the right atmosphere for the 5-time Ballon d'Or winner to operate. In order to get the best out of the little magician, the whole team must play with him, just like how it happens in Barcelona.

With Jorge Sampaoli's men forging a decent relationship with the attacker on the pitch, he could end up inspiring the Albiceleste to a vital victory against the African giants today.

#2 Solid defense

Argentina must improve their defense and perhaps earn a clean sheet against Nigeria

One area that has really brought Argentina down in the World Cup this year is their defense. The Albiceleste have been very poor at the back, rendering them vulnerable to almost every incoming attack. So far they have conceded 4 goals in just 2 matches and are yet to record a clean sheet in the competition.

Sampaoli used 4 defenders in the first game against Iceland but they failed to impress. He tried 3 at the back against Croatia and that proved to be even worse as they were heavily exposed at both flanks.

With the likes of Ahmed Musa, David Moses, and Kelechi Iheanacho becoming even more threatening, Argentina will need a very brilliant defense in order to keep the Super Eagles at bay.

Considering that the qualification race could be decided by goal differences if they beat Nigeria, and Iceland secures a victory against Croatia, the Argentina defenders must step up and probably keep a clean sheet against the West Africans.

#1 Rigid determination

The Albiceleste will need to approach the game with a great attitude

Let us face reality, Argentina - one of the greatest football nations of all time will be eliminated from the World Cup at group stage level if they fail to get a victory against Nigeria today.

With world-class superstars including the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria, Paulo Dybala, Javier Mascherano and Gonzalo Higuain on the team, elimination at this stage will represent a big embarrassment to the whole nation.

Lionel Messi's legacy is under serious threat at the moment, Jorge Sampaoli's job is on the line and the reputation of the team, as well as the whole nation, is at stake here. With Nigeria also aiming to reach the knockout stage of the tournament, the game will not be a walk in the park for the Albiceleste.

Therefore, both the players and the coach must tackle the game like a do or die affair. They will need to be at their absolute best and enter the match with rigid determination in order to stand a chance to beat Nigeria and progress to the next phase.

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