Manchester United man Marcus Rojo came to Argentina’s rescue as he volleyed a late winner to break Nigerian hearts and send Argentina through to the knockout stages. Rojo found himself in the right place at the right time to fire the ball into the bottom corner. Cristian Pavon crossed from the right and Rojo simply met it with all he had. Thus, Argentina remains in the competition, at least for now. Argentina will be playing against France next, which will be a tougher test for them but the world will watch in wonder again on Saturday to see Messi play. Without Rojo’s wonder strike, this might have been Messi’s last World Cup appearance.
Initially during the start of the match, Ever Banega played a lofted ball to Lionel Messi who controlled it beautifully with his left foot, switched to his right, and shot into the far corner of the net of Francis Uzoho. It was a beautiful goal. It was a fitting goal from Messi who reminded the world of what he is still capable of, given a chance. Introduction of Banega changed Argentina and the match should have been over by half-time. As well as Messi’s goal, the little genius hit a post and played an exquisite ball through for Gonzalo Higuain that should have amounted to more.
After Messi’s fine strike to put Argentina ahead, they conceded a penalty, and Victor Moses buried it into the net expertly. The referee saved Argentina by ruling out a penalty after Rojo headed the ball onto his own arm. Many would also argue that it was not an intentional handball, but in case of Cedric in the Iran vs Portugal match, a penalty was awarded to Iran!
