Croatia through, almost certainly as winners barring a heavy defeat and a Nigeria win, Argentina needing a win and for Iceland to lose to avoid an ignominious exit, Iceland need to win and rely on goal difference, Nigeria need a win or a draw as long as Iceland don’t win heavily.
Argentina dropped Caballero and Aguero, bringing in Armani (with an expensive looking jersey) for his debut and Higuain. Once again the commentators’ tactical analysis of Nigeria almost entirely based on their friendly with England a few weeks ago. The definition of lazy journalism.
It took Messi fourteen minutes to spring into life, getting on the end of a long ball with a brilliant thigh-cushion, touch and finish. All going to plan for them at this stage, but Iceland were creating chances against Croatia, who had made nine changes, almost all from set-pieces, although Kalanic did have to make one great save.
Nigeria’s Balogun was a tad fortunate to get away with a yellow after a foul (Jermaine Jenas claimed he wasn’t last man, but of course this is not the law, it’s a Denial of a Goal Scoring Opportunity, pretty amazing that he doesn’t know this) and Messi struck the post with the free-kick. Nigeria weren’t threatening much, summed up by Etubo who came up with a Sebo moment as his shot went for a throw-in.
Half-time saw Gabby Yorath’s 94th interview with Gareth Southgate.
Just four minutes into the second period Nigeria went ahead with a harsh penalty, slotted home by Moses, at almost the same time Badelj hit the bar then scored for Croatia. Iceland kept battling and hit the bar themselves. Argentina brought on Pavon and Meza, but not Aguero at this stage, he would have to wait for the last ten minutes. Nigeria and Iceland both still creating chances so nothing sure at this stage.
Fifteen to go and Iceland scored a penalty, Nigeria had a claim denied, Higuain blazed a chance over, and Etebo went close with a free-kick as the tension rose.
Then, with just four minutes left the unlikely figure of Rojo brilliantly finished to put Argentina back in the qualification spot. Right on full time Perisic finally extinguished Iceland’s hopes although they never stopped attacking.
A thrilling evening ended with the prospect of France meeting Argentina rather than Iceland which has to be a good thing for the tournament. And the sight of Gary Lineker actually reading out the law on handball to the members of the panel, reminding them it has to be deliberate. “It was bad defending though” spluttered Ferdinand about the Nigeria claim as if that made a difference. Dear God.
And interesting to see Maradona in the crowd employing somebody with the sole apparent job of holding him up. Suppose somebody has to.
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