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Marcos Rojo was Argentina\u2019s unlikely savior as the South Americans beat Nigeria 2-1 to advance to the last 16 of the World Cup.<\/p>\nMarcos Rojo was Argentina\u2019s unlikely savior as the South Americans beat Nigeria 2-1 to advance to the last 16 of the World Cup.<\/p>\n
The Manchester United defender volleyed home Gabriel Mercardo\u2019s right-wing cross four minutes from time to book a knock-out clash against France.<\/p>\n
Nigeria had been on the verge of progressing instead after Victor Moses\u2019 penalty early in the second half had cancelled out Lionel Messi\u2019s first goal of the tournament.<\/p>\n
In the face of mounting criticism due to his nation being on the brink of elimination, Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli had not only changed his attire to a more conventional tracksuit but had also made five changes.<\/p>\n
Willy Caballero, whose blunder gifted Croatia their opening goal in the 3-0 loss last week, and Sergio Aguero were two of the fall guys while Rojo, Angel Di Maria and Ever Banega were among those brought in.<\/p>\n
And it was Banega, making his first start in Russia, who produced the assist for Messi\u2019s 14th-minute opener.<\/p>\n
The Sevilla midfielder lofted a beautiful pass over Kenneth Omeruo, though from there it was all Messi. He cushioned the ball on his thigh and created space with a deft left-footed touch before firing into the far corner with his right.<\/p>\n
It sent the crowd, including Diego Maradona, into delirium and at that point the two-time winners were heading through thanks to Messi\u2019s magic.<\/p>\n
The Barcelona forward looked in the mood, with a terrific pass into Gonzalo Higuain\u2019s path deserving more than the striker\u2019s weak attempted chip over Francis Uzoho.<\/p>\n
Messi looked capable of doing it by himself regardless and he almost scored again with a free-kick that Uzoho\u2019s fingertips pushed onto the post.<\/p>\n
Sampaoli\u2019s side were 45 minutes from progression but they were back on the verge of going out shortly after the resumption.<\/p>\n
They were architects of their own downfall too. Three Argentinian defenders converged on the ball and conceded a needless corner, from which Javier Mascherano, with both of his hands on Leon Balogun at the near post, was adjudged to have hauled his man down.<\/p>\n
Moses confidently placed the spot-kick to the opposite way Argentina\u2019s debutant goalkeeper Franco Armani dived and Nigeria were back in pole position for the group\u2019s runners-up berth.<\/p>\n
Sampaoli called for Cristian Pavon, who made a positive impression, and Maximiliano Meza, whose impact was far less great, as Aguero and Paulo Dybala waited on the bench.<\/p>\n
A second Nigeria goal would have killed off Argentina\u2019s hopes and ex-Watford striker Odion Ighalo spurned a glorious opportunity when volleying wide.<\/p>\n
The Super Eagles wanted a spot-kick for a handball against Rojo prior to the ball dropping to Igahlo, and though VAR looked at the incident again, no penalty was given as the defender headed against his arm.<\/p>\n
Aguero then came on, but not for Higuain, who stabbed a clear opening way over.<\/p>\n
Ighalo saw another try saved by Armani and Oghenekaro Etebo\u2019s free-kick went into the side netting as Nigeria missed chances to seal their progression.<\/p>\n
And it proved costly as Rojo, of all people, won it four minutes from time.<\/p>\n
He was way out of position when Mercardo\u2019s cross came into the box, but all of Argentina was glad he was there as Rojo steered a first-time finish into the corner to spare his country\u2019s blushes.<\/p>\n