Marcos Rojo saves Argentina’s World Cup, knocks Nigeria out

Marcos Rojo’s outrageous right-footed volley secured Argentina the win they needed against Nigeria to progress to the last 16 of the World Cup, with Iceland's 2-1 defeat to Croatia confirming their qualification.

Lionel Messi had given Jorge Sampaoli’s Argentina the lead when, with 14 minutes gone, he beautifully took down Ever Banega's clipped ball over the top and slotted past Francis Uzoho.

However, when Javier Mascherano felled Leon-Aderemi Balogun and Victor Moses dispatched a 51st-minute penalty, it looked like the writing was on the wall for the two-time winners.

Yet, Marcos Rojo produced a majestic 86th-minute volley to seal Argentina’s progression to the last 16, where they will face France on Saturday.

Argentina were moments away from exiting the World Cup without a win, and they would have had little argument had they been forced to pack their bags. However, they now have a last 16 encounter against France to look forward to and while Didier Deschamps’ side will fancy their chances, the France boss will have sleepless nights before Saturday purely because Argentina’s pedigree helped them past Nigeria, and there’s no saying why it could not do the same again.

Ever Banega (Argentina) – A dash of Messi magic, a shock Rojo winner, but the man who shone brightest for Argentina was the man who did not start their previous two matches. His pass for Messi’s goal was sublime, while he made some crucial interceptions down the other end. First name on the team sheet in the last second. Okay, second…

Argentina XI: Armani 6, Mercado 6, Rojo 7, Otamendi 6, Tagliafico 6, Mascherano 5, Banega 8, Perez 6, Di Maria 5, Messi 7, Higuain 5. Subs: Pavon 7, Meza 6, Aguero 6

Nigeria XI: Uzoho 7, Idowu 6, Ndidi 6, Ekong 6, Balogun 7, Musa 7, Etebo 7, Mikel 6, Moses 7, Iheanacho 6, Omeruo 5. Subs: Ighalo 6, Iwobi N/A, Simy N/A

14’ - Goaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal! And it's Messi who scores! What a moment for the little genius. With the weight of a nation on his shoulders, he takes two incredible touches from Banega's quality through ball, one with his knee, the other with his left foot, before tucking it away with his right foot. Finally, a first goal of the 2018 World Cup for Messi.

28’ - SAVE! Quality stop from Uzoho, who rushes out to deny Higuain following Messi's through ball.

34’ - OFF THE POST! Messi's free-kick curls away from Uzoho but hits the far post... It's actually a brilliant save from Uzoho, with replays showing the Nigeria goalkeeper get a vital touch onto the effort.

49’ - Penalty to Nigeria!! Mascherano is penalised, and booked, for pulling down Balogun in the box...

51’ – GOAL! Moses levels from the spot! He rolls it into the back of the net, with Armani going the other way. Game. On.

77’ - WIDE! Oh Ighalo!! Rojo's header flies into the night sky, and it falls down kindly for Ighalo, who can only volley wide. Nigeria want a penalty, replays show the ball hitting Rojo's arm and it's going to official review.... The referee heads to the sideline, but after checking the replay, he sticks to his original decision and gives Argentina the goal-kick. Rojo headed the ball onto his arm, and it would have been harsh, BUT, it was very similar to yesterday's incident.

81’ - OVER! What a chance for Higuain. He meets the cross 12 yards out but fires a wild attempt over. Poor connection.

86’ - ROJO SCORES FOR ARGENTINA!! What an unlikely hero for Argentina, but what a finish from the defender!! His first-time volley with the inside of the right foot nestles into the far corner. As it stands, Argentina are through, but a goal for Iceland or Nigeria would change that...

Argentina have qualified from the World Cup group stages for the fourth consecutive tournament (2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018). Escape.