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Football powerhouse Argentina started their campaign against Nigeria at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park Stadium in a Group B encounter in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, that kicked off yesterday amidst spectacular scenes.
The eyes of the world were on Diego Maradona’s team selection, and he did not disappoint. Messi started in his Barcelona role, on the right of a forward line that also comprised Higuain and Tevez. Di Maria started on the left, with Mascherano and Veron pairing up in the middle.
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The move to play Messi in his comfort zone almost paid off in the first couple of minutes as the star danced away from three Nigerian defenders to create a chance for Tevez that nearly produced a goal.
Argentina did not have to wait for long though, as Gabriel Heinze put his team one-up in the 6th minute with a stunning header through a corner. Veron fired in the ball that found the veteran left-back in plenty of space to head the ball in.
The Super Eagles came into the game hoping to tame Messi and Co., and they had their chances, but failed to capitalize. Ogbuke Obasi came close to scoring a couple of times in the opening 45 minutes but could not find the back of the net.
The Nigerian side did get the better of the Argentine defence a number of times in the first half. The pressure got to right-back Gutierrez, who got a yellow for a poor foul on Obasi in the 41st minute.
At Half Time – Argentina 1-0 Nigeria
The second half began in rather quiet fashion with neither side able to break-through. Niger coach Lars Lagerback made the first move, bringing on Obafemi Martins for Obinna in the 51st minute in search for an equalizer.Obasi was next to be substituted out for Odemwingie in the 60th as Nigeria looked to bounce back with another pair of fresh legs.
The move seemed to be working with the Eagles cranking up the pressure, only to create more chances and miss them.Maraodona made his first change introducing Maxi Rodriguez for Veron in the 74th minute and followed it by switching Higuain with Milito in the 79th.
Messi came close to sealing it in the 82nd when he slipped in the box but failed to beat Nigerian shot-stopper, Enyeama, who displayed splendid form all through the 90 minutes.
Argentina made their final change when Di Maria was replaced by defender Burdisso as the side looked to shut out the Nigerian chances of an equalizer.
The game ended in heartbreak for Nigeria and elation for Argentine fans as they bagged three crucial points. To be fair, Nigeria never looked out of the game and gave the Argentines a run for their money.
The win marks a cautious start for Maradona’s team that is capable of going all the way.
