FIFA World Cup 2010: Argentina Vs Nigeria Preview

Maradona has invested his confidence in Messi, who has yet to replicate his club form while playing for his country. In fact, Tevez and Aguero have proved the more reliable strikers.

Diego Milito and Gonzalo Higuain are a couple of other names that will be better known before this World Cup is over. Ange Di Maria, the Benfica winger is another.

 Nigeria’s best performance at the World Cup was an entry into the round of 16, in 1994 and 1998. Since the 90s, however, they have lost consistency. Coincidentally, Argentina and Greece were Nigeria’s group rivals in 1994, as well.  

A loss to Argentina on Saturday would be much tougher to bear than 16 years ago, as Greece are much tougher, now, with the Euro 2004 title to show for it. A draw would qualify as a win for Nigeria, however improbable the Argentines might consider it.

Joseph Yobo and Taiwo are a huge physical presence in the Nigerian defence. Dickson Etuhu is another physical giant in midfield, while Odemwingie and Kalu Uche are pacy wingers looking to feed Yakubu, Martins, Victor Obinna and Chinedu Obasi who should fancy their chances against the Argentine centre-backs, Martin Demichelis and Walter Samuel, definitely the weakest links in the South American squad.

What Nigeria lack in technique, they make up in strength and pace. Yakubu’s dribbling skills could also stand them in good stead as they try and break the Argentine defence.

That was the good news for Nigeria. Now, for the bad. The defenders while strong and robust are unlikely to stand up to the Argentine attack, who will look to trouble the scorers as often as they can.

Tags: EPL, Greece, Maradona, Preview

Category: FIFA World Cup, Football