Rojo scores again to end Nigeria’s World Cup dreams as Argentina sets up France clash
Marcos Rojo who scored the winning goal for Argetina in their 3-2 win against Nigeria in 2014 was Argentina’s unlikely hero as his stunning late winner secured a 2-1 defeat of Nigeria that keeps Lionel Messi’s side in the World Cup.
The Super Eagles were heading through to the last 16 at Argentina’s expense with four minutes to go of the final Group D game, but Rojo’s sensational low volley saved Jorge Sampaoli’s men and set up a showdown with France in the next round.
Messi gave Argentina the lead in St Petersburg on Tuesday, the Barcelona superstar scoring a stunner to bring up the 100th goal of Russia 2018.
But when Javier Mascherano dragged down Leon Balogun in the box shortly after the restart, Victor Moses stepped up to roll Nigeria level and within touching distance of progressing.
Sampaoli sent on attackers Cristian Pavon, Maximiliano Meza and Sergio Aguero, but it was defender Rojo who came up with a quite brilliant winner.
The right-wing cross from another defender, Gabriel Mercado, was perfectly placed for Rojo to arrive late and slam home an improbable, unstoppable finish that extends Argentina’s stay at the World Cup.
Players to score Goal 100 of a #WorldCup
2010: @andresiniesta8
2014: @neymarjr
2018: @TeamMessi
Not a bad collection of players pic.twitter.com/4cqSvG6pui
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 26, 2018
