This is only the 5th time that Nigeria has appeared in the World Cup finals; their best performances were in 1994 and 1998 when they did indeed make it to the Round of 16. With 4 points to Iran's 1 Nigeria was in a strong position, but their bought against Lionel Messi and the might of the Argentina soccer jerseys would not be an easy game.
Outlook of Group F
Iran has been playing surprisingly well and held Nigeria to a 0-0 draw in their 1st group stage match. The 1st display of the Nigeria 2014 World Cup home shirt saw the team beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-0, and secure 3 points, giving them a tally of 4, and 2nd place in the group.
With 2 wins from 2 games Argentina has done enough to ensure their place in the next stage. However, they would not want to succumb to a loss and risk finishing in 2nd place, and be faced with the theoretically tougher opponent, and winner of Group E.However, neither would they want to risk injuries nor bookings that would damage their chances of progressing even further.
With the Nigeria and Argentina soccer jerseys definitely making an appearance in the knockout stage now is the time to order yours online at Soccer Box. We have the official home and away shirts for kids and adults. You can even get your shirt with Messi 10 lettering and support the team's star striker. Many other World Cup team kits are still available. So whether your team is in or out show your pride and order today!
A Game Worth Watching
If there was ever an opening to a World Cup game worth talking about this was the game. Argentina immediately made it clear that they were playing to win. Angel di Maria hit the target in the 2nd minute but the attempt was deftly saved, only for Messi to score in the 3rd minute to make the score line 1-0. Nigeria immediately came back and proved they were also in it to win. Ahmed Musa hit the net from outside the box in what can only be described as a magnificent goal, leveling the score to 1-1 during the 4th minute.
Throughout the 1st half Argentina had the best of the possession but Nigeria was never far away. Attacks and counter-attacks from both sides, with the Argentinian team having several missed attempts on goals. Just before the halftime whistle Messi added a second goal but the match was by no means over.
The second half started with the same pace and enthusiasm of the 1st half. Musa added a second goal to again level the score line in the 47th minute. But the Argentina soccer jerseys were obviously not content with a draw. Rojo got behind the Nigerian defense scoring a fantastic close range goal to put Nigeria 3-2 up in the 50th minute.
There were attempts on goals for both sides for the remainder of the game, neither team faltering or dropping the pace. It was certainly a game enjoyed by fans both in the Estadio Beira-Rio and at home around the world. Argentina can celebrate winning 3 out of 3 despite not playing at their best. Fortunately for Nigeria, the result of the other game saw Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Iran 3-1 allowing Nigeria a place in the knockout stage despite not winning the game.
Few would say that Nigeria do not deserve their place in the next round, they fought to the end and put up an admirable show against 2 time World Cup winners Argentina. Nigeria will need all their skills, and enthusiasm as a next stage meeting against a strong French team is likely. Argentina will face Switzerland or Ecuador.
If you think this is the year that Nigeria can make it to the quarterfinals or beyond you can shop for the Nigeria 2014 World Cup home shirt at Soccer Box. We also have the Argentina football shirts if you prefer.