For Argentina in particular it represents a final chance at redemption after they were humiliated by Croatia 3 – 0 in their last group game. The reaction to that defeat has been savage, both from fans, critics and ex-players. Newspapers headlines in Argentina talked about “humiliation” and “shame” whilst former World Cup winner Ossie Ardiles described it as the “worst Argentinian side” he had ever seen.
Manager Jorge Sampaoli has come in for huge opprobrium, both for his team selection and also for failing to play a style of football that fails to bring the best out of Lionel Messi, their star and talisman. Defensively weak, playing three at the back with players who are not comfortable with the system, they have shown a huge vulnerability to the counter attack already.
And then there is the goalkeeping situation. Do Argentina stick with Willy Caballero in goal who made such a terrible error for the first Croatia goal, or do they turn to one of the equally untried alternatives on the bench?
That they even have a chance to save their World Cup fortunes is down to Nigeria themselves. The Nigerians were well-beaten by Croatia in their first game, and had they lost to Iceland on Friday, both they and Argentina would have been out of the tournament. Instead two goals from Ahmed Musa gave them victory, and their own chance of progressing to the knockout phases.
Recent history is on Nigeria’s side. The two met in Krasnodar in a friendly last November, and, after Argentina established a two goal lead, the Africans hit back with four goals to win 4 – 2. A repeat this time round and Argentina will be going home; even a draw might be good enough for Nigeria with Croatia and Iceland playing at the same time in Rostov-on-Don.
Argentina thus have to go all out for the win, and they have to find a way to get the ball to Messi in dangerous areas. If they can do that, there could still be a chance for them to do something in this World Cup.
The big issue, however, is whether the emotional and mental scars from the Croatia match have healed sufficiently for them to perform, given they will be under immense pressure. If they have not, this may be the last time people will get to see Messi on the international stage, as he is almost certain to retire from the national squad if they crash out.