The Saint Petersburg Stadium of Russia witnessed thrill, drama, action and heartbreak as Argentina defeated Nigeria in the final group ‘D’ game. After a stupendous performance in the World Cup Qualifiers expectations rose to a new high. Lionel Messi’s name was reverberating in every fan’s ears as the team landed in Russia. Their group was believed to be slightly easier than the other seven groups.

Argentina and Croatia were the favourites to qualify for the next round but little did we know that a small nation named Iceland would perform incredibly in their first World Cup Football game. Croatia dominated proceedings from the word go as Argentina struggled to make a mark. In their second game of the tournament, Lionel Messi’s men met Luka Modric’s Croatia. The in-form Croatian side humiliated Argentina as their early exit from the tournament was on the cards.

Now, the scenario was clear. Argentina needed three matches to pan out their way. The caravan started as Nigeria defeated Iceland. 26th June 2018, the Saint Petersburg Stadium was filled with the chants of “Vamos Argentina” as Messi’s men walked out in a high-intensity clash. Simultaneously, Iceland was facing Croatia at the Rostov Arena. For Argentina to qualify, they had to beat Nigeria and Croatia had to beat Iceland. The calculation books were out and the goal difference was being looked upon but Marcos Rojo had a tale for the ages.

Messi’s magic or Rojo’s brilliance?

A jam-packed Saint Petersburg Stadium was chanting for the Argentinian side as they took the field on 26th June. Their faces were filled with intent and determination as the game began. Messi’s men were looking like a completely different unit as compared to their previous two games. In the 14th minute of the game, the magician, Leo Messi provided Argentina with an early lead as he scored off an assist Ever Banega.

At halftime, Argentina was leading in every aspect. They had the better possession and the goal tally spoke for itself. Javier Mascherano’s foul gave the Nigerians an opportunity to equalize in the 51st minute of the game as Viktor Moses fired the penalty in. The glimmer of hope had now started to fade away from the face of the Argentinians. Even the most optimistic of fans wouldn’t have bargained for this storyline.

In the 86th minute of the game, Marcos Rojo became the reason for Argentina’s smile. Mercado curled a superb cross into the middle as the Argentinian defender put the ball into the back of the net. Minutes after this Croatia’s Ivan Perisic scored to ensure Argentina’s entry into the round of 16. The roof at the Saint Petersburg Stadium erupted as the final whistle saw tears in the eyes of the Argentina players.

The stadium erupted with joy as the roof lifted off. The fans jumped and cried as their team moved on, Argentina moved on, Argentina lived on, Messi lived on.

shivdhawan10

Shiv is a passionate 17-year-old sports fan who aspires to be a cricket commentator. He started following cricket at a young age of 8. Since then, he has seen innumerable matches. Apart from cricket, he has a massive interest in football, badminton and tennis. He uses this platform to express his sporting ideologies and views. Opinions and ideologies can be conflicting.