I have always felt that Group D of the 2018 World Cup is more of a tricky group than a tough one. But I, like most soccer pundits, would not have imagined that going into Match Day 3, Croatia will be in pole position in a group that two-time world cup winners, Argentina with one of the best players that ever played the game. The reality is however before us all and that (reality) sees Argentina struggling with Nigeria and Iceland for the remaining second-round qualifying slot that is up for grabs.
It is now a 3-horse race with just one prize at stake – a second round berth. Croatia, having shown more grit in their opening two games, deservedly leads the pack with a second round progress already in the bag. Iceland did show some promises in their first match against Argentina but were brought back to earth in the second game against Nigeria, and Argentina’s performance at this year’s FIFA football showpiece has been rather shambolic. After the tame outing that saw them lost by two unreplied goals to Croatia, the Super Eagles got themselves a lifeline by defeating Iceland thus setting the tone for intriguing [and nervy] final round encounters in the group stage.
Where this has left Nigeria, although with great optimism yet, is that point everyone get to do some math. So, flowing along that line in this article, we shall be looking at the different possibilities facing the Super Eagles as we strive to qualify for the next round.
While a loss to Argentina will outrightly bring an end to Nigeria’s participation in the tournament – this is certainly not something most soccer loving Nigerians will like to imagine – let’s see what could happen in the event of the outcomes:
Nigeria Wins
A win for Nigeria will ultimately see the team progressing to face either France or Denmark in the next round. But this feat will surely not come easy against an Argentine side that got its back against the wall. Every Nigerian football fan will however fancy his/her darling team going through, and it is only a matter of time before we see if the Super Eagles can draw some inspiration from their friendly match victory back in the June last year.
Nigeria Plays Out a Draw
Now, this is where the math really begins. A draw with Argentina would, to an extent, mean we would have to rely on the result elsewhere (that is, the match involving Iceland and Croatia). Playing out a goalless draw with Argentina – just to remind you; there has no game that ended scoreless in Russia 2018 – while Iceland loses to Croatia will still ensure Nigeria’s progress to the next round. On the other hand, a goalless result for Nigeria with Iceland beating Croatia by 2 or more goals will see the Super Eagles ousting the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
There is definitely everything to play for, and as it stands, the Super Eagles’ destiny is n their own hand as Argentina has not looked any bit invincible thus far. Nonetheless, it is only the team that is able to take the initiative going forward that will carry the day and have the opportunity to compete for the higher stake in the days ahead as the tournament progresses.
So, will Musa, Mikel, Moses and the rest be able to compound the woes of Messi and Co.? This is surely a question only time would get to tell.