Rojo returns to haunt Nigeria as Argentina progress
Rojo clinches dramatic victory to send Argentina through
Messi scores the 100th goal at Russia 2018 before Moses levelled
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A late Marcos Rojo goal sent Argentina into the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ knockout stages in dramatic style. Needing a win to have any chance of progression, the defender volleyed La Albiceleste 2-1 in front in the 86th minute to break Nigerian hearts.
Victor Moses's second-half penalty looked to be enough to earn Nigeria a crucial point, cancelling out a stunning Lionel Messi opener. A raucous and partisan crowd roared on the South Americans, with Messi's superb thigh control and finish providing a huge emotional release after a frustrating tournament.
Denied a second when Francis Uzoho tipped his free-kick onto the post, Argentina looked to be drifting out of the competition, only for Rojo to score the winner against the Super Eagles for the second finals running. In turn he inflicted Nigeria's fifth World Cup defeat from five meetings with Argentina, all by a solitary goal.
Team reporter analysis Annette Braun with Nigeria [Follow: Twitter] They left it all on the pitch and came so close. After a difficult first half, Nigeria were superb after the break, crafting some good chances to go ahead. The young team can be proud. This experience will help them to evolve. They got a good taste of how a World Cup works and have everything to be able to build on that.
Gallery: Nigeria 1-2 Argentina
Diego Zandrino with Argentina [Follow: Twitter] Argentina produced their best performance of the tournament right when they needed it the most, showing once again that this is a group of players who can show up right at the crucial moments. Both individually and as a team, La Albiceleste found answers that could make them a very dangerous opponent from now on.
Budweiser Man of the Match When Argentina truly need him, Lionel Messi is there for them. His beautifully taken goal was something to behold.
The stat 100 - Messi's strike brought up the century for goals at Russia 2018 - one day later than Brazil 2014 hit the milestone on the way to a record-equalling haul of 171. He also joined Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta in becoming the third Albiceleste player to score in three World Cups.
What’s next France v Argentina – 30 June, Kazan Croatia v Denmark – 1 July, Nizhny Novgorod
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