Nigeria v Argentina 7:00

[mikeS]

Potential for fireworks tonight.

[barba]

Tonight will be their 4th meeting in the last 5 World Cups. All have been won by Argentina.

Agreed it should be fireworks with only a win for either to give them the best chance of qualifying

[Murger]

The minutes silence by the Argentine media after their last game was hilarious. More of the same please.

[houseboy]

As a big fan of Argentinian football I have to say that this is probably the worst Argentinian team I have ever seen, made worse by the fact that the manager doesn't seem to know what he's doing. Toward the end of the last game I felt so sorry for Messi who was looking around like he was saying 'what the hell am I doing here with this lot'. Having said all that they could well do the business tonight and wind up going through, if they do we might see a different team but somehow I doubt it.

[gandhisflipflop]

I have money on 3-0 to Nigeria.

[jrgbfc]

Words can't describe how bad the Argies were against Croatia. Was like watching a bad Sunday league team who 've all been out on the lash the previous evening!

[gandhisflipflop]

Its nothing new though. I was surprised they managed to qualify they were that bad.

[Foshiznik]

When you play players like Perez and Meza when you have much better sitting at home, you are clearly not able to be a decent manager.

[Dyched]

They were my punt to win it. But I often waffle on abkut shite

[KRBFC]

When you play players like Perez and Meza when you have much better sitting at home, you are clearly not able to be a decent manager.

Jorge Sampaoli not a decent manager? please behave and educate yourself, when he took Universidad de Chile to the Copa Libertadores title he was the man, he's hindered by the players at his disposal, they have world class superstars upfront and nothing else. Please tell me who they have at home better than Perez and Meza? The only notable absence is Icardi, for personal reasons and they don't really need him at all given he's yet another forward. Meza plays because he feels Dybala is too similar to Messi, he's tried to find a system to give them the best shot at winning and it hasn't worked because he simply doesn't have the players to match the insane expectations people have for the weakest Argentina squad in a long time.

[Martin]

Obviously its going to be a tough and a game with intense pressure. But Argentina has a good side and experience, I am sure Nigeria will put a lot of effort and will take it till the additional minutes but in the end it will be Argentina winning the game.

[chekhov]

Messi!

[LeadBelly]

Great goal. Controlled the ball on his left thigh on the volley, pushed the ball forward under control with his left then crashed it in with his right.
Ive got a bet on 1-0 to Argies so wish he hadn't done that so early in the game.

[ElectroClaret]

Unbelievable, Jeff.

Messi hits the post.

[South West Claret.]

Nigeria not showing much in front of goal so if continues it’s the Argies game.

[mikeS]

Get in !!!!

[South West Claret.]

Yep the Argies go through.

[ecc]

Messi's goal was pure genius. But he carried this team. Di Maria was absolutely atrocious. Higuain looked like he wouldn't have scored against one of our throw-one-in defences. Pavon showed far more in 30 minutes than everybody bar Messi.

[Foshiznik]

Jorge Sampaoli not a decent manager? please behave and educate yourself, when he took Universidad de Chile to the Copa Libertadores title he was the man, he's hindered by the players at his disposal, they have world class superstars upfront and nothing else. Please tell me who they have at home better than Perez and Meza? The only notable absence is Icardi, for personal reasons and they don't really need him at all given he's yet another forward. Meza plays because he feels Dybala is too similar to Messi, he's tried to find a system to give them the best shot at winning and it hasn't worked because he simply doesn't have the players to match the insane expectations people have for the weakest Argentina squad in a long time.

Educate yourself? Think you need to take a cold bath and calm down pal.

[houseboy]

Jorge Sampaoli not a decent manager? please behave and educate yourself, when he took Universidad de Chile to the Copa Libertadores title he was the man, he's hindered by the players at his disposal, they have world class superstars upfront and nothing else. Please tell me who they have at home better than Perez and Meza? The only notable absence is Icardi, for personal reasons and they don't really need him at all given he's yet another forward. Meza plays because he feels Dybala is too similar to Messi, he's tried to find a system to give them the best shot at winning and it hasn't worked because he simply doesn't have the players to match the insane expectations people have for the weakest Argentina squad in a long time.

I have actually questioned some of his decisions. Something is not right. He takes off Aguero against Croatia and doesn't use him at all last night. This suggests all is not right in the camp. The other slightly baffling thing is he didn't even bring a young guy called Martinez who is scoring goals for fun at Racing Club and is wanted by Athletico Madrid and Inter Milan among others.
I'm glad they pulled it out of the bag last night because a world cup without Argentina is a strange affair. Messi looked his usual self and the whole team actually looked like a team instead of the ragbag bunch of misfits that played Croatia. I wonder if the there is a problem between Aguero and Messi? I've not heard anything but it makes you think.

[KRBFC]

I have actually questioned some of his decisions. Something is not right. He takes off Aguero against Croatia and doesn't use him at all last night. This suggests all is not right in the camp. The other slightly baffling thing is he didn't even bring a young guy called Martinez who is scoring goals for fun at Racing Club and is wanted by Athletico Madrid and Inter Milan among others.
I'm glad they pulled it out of the bag last night because a world cup without Argentina is a strange affair. Messi looked his usual self and the whole team actually looked like a team instead of the ragbag bunch of misfits that played Croatia. I wonder if the there is a problem between Aguero and Messi? I've not heard anything but it makes you think.

The last thing they need is more strikers, Sampaoli's a stubborn fk, I just think they don't have the group of players able to meet the ridiculously high expectations.

[houseboy]

The last thing they need is more strikers, Sampaoli's a stubborn fk, I just think they don't have the group of players able to meet the ridiculously high expectations.

I know what you mean, I think this is the worst Argentine team I have ever seen as a group, but they still have enough quality players to make an impact yet. The expectations are incredibly high because football in Argentina is more than a game it's a way of life.

[gandhisflipflop]

Jorge Sampaoli not a decent manager? please behave and educate yourself, when he took Universidad de Chile to the Copa Libertadores title he was the man, he's hindered by the players at his disposal, they have world class superstars upfront and nothing else. Please tell me who they have at home better than Perez and Meza? The only notable absence is Icardi, for personal reasons and they don't really need him at all given he's yet another forward. Meza plays because he feels Dybala is too similar to Messi, he's tried to find a system to give them the best shot at winning and it hasn't worked because he simply doesn't have the players to match the insane expectations people have for the weakest Argentina squad in a long time.

What was his excuse for not starting benega until the 3rd game? Him and mascherano in midfield offered the balance they so desperately needed.

[gandhisflipflop]

That said. I loved watching chile under him and previously bielsa.

[KRBFC]

What was his excuse for not starting benega until the 3rd game? Him and mascherano in midfield offered the balance they so desperately needed.

I have no idea, maybe he's lost the dressing room? maybe he's had a bust up with the players? It doesn't make him a crap manager because he's absolutely not. I thought Banega was good Yesterday but Argentina were still crap overall and lacked balance, Ndidi, Mikel and Etebo controlled the midfield. I just don't think they have the players good enough to meet the world's expectations.

[edenclaret]

Mind you,that winner by defender Rojo was a great shot too, even more impressive given the significance to Argentina.