Rojo Clinches Dramatic Victory to Send Argentina Through

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.

2018 WORLD CUP: Argentina celebrate goal against Nigeria

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.

Final Score: 

Nigeria 1-2 Argentina

Man of the Match

When Argentina truly need him, Lionel Messi is there for them. His beautifully taken goal was something to behold.

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France v Argentina – 30 June, Kazan

Croatia v Denmark – 1 July, Nizhny Novgorod

FIFA