6/12/2010; 15:00 GMT - Argentina vs Nigeria
Two somewhat familiar foes take the pitch this Saturday when Argentina battles Nigeria in a rematch of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold Medal Match. Once again this one will be for high stakes as the two duke it out in the first of three group stage matches.
However, the difference this time is that both are not playing on completely foreign soil. Nigeria, playing on its own continent, will have plenty of encouragement from the African supporters making this a tricky opening fixture for the ambitious Albiceleste.
Argentina:
Despite probably being one of the most talented teams in International football, Argentina should consider themselves extremely lucky to be here. Their qualification campaign was certainly one to be forgotten as the 2008 Olympic gold medalists were barely fortunate enough to claim a spot in the World Cup Finals thanks to a hard fought 1-0 victory away to bitter domestic rivals Uruguay in October.
Embarrassing qualifying defeats such as the 6-1 thrashing from Bolivia and 3-1 loss to Brazil at home had many Argentina supporters calling for manager Diego Maradona’s job, no matter how much he did for the country back in his day. His erratic lineup changes and cocky, unprofessional demeanor was making the entire country question whether or not he was the right man for the job. Lucky for him, that is now in the past and he seems to have Albiceleste heading in the right track just in time for the world’s most prestigious sporting event.
In terms of attacking talent, Argentina pretty much has the best combination there is. Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Gonzolo Higuaín, AND Lionel Messi? Come on. The question is how do you get the most of them and in what combination do you use them? I actually can’t blame Maradona for trying 30 different lineups because with a talent pool that deep, who knows what the best combination is? Nonetheless, it is a good problem to have and they should surely not be lacking on the offensive front.
In terms of midfield, they are pretty well off there as well. Javier Mascherano and Juan Sebastian Veron are both experienced and proven veterans that have the ability to control the middle of the field. The defense is led by veterans Martin Demichelis and Gabriel Heinze, both have which proven they are world class as also. The biggest problem Argentina faces is just calming down and playing their game. If they can do that, expect them to go a long way.
Nigeria:
The West African nation of Nigeria is no pretender in the world of football. Their squad is comprised of many proven European players and has the potential to give opponents trouble if they can keep things together. The biggest thing they have going for them at this point is the fact they will be playing on African soil. No matter what city in South Africa they may be, you can guarantee the supporters will follow.
However, the one thing going against them is they will be forced to play on without their midfielder and star playmaker John Obi Mikel. The Chelsea midfielder has been battling knee problems all season long and after finally recovering from surgery, both he and the team decided it is best that he not risk his career as he continues to heal. With that being said, uncapped Ideye Brown will replace Mikel on the roster.
With Mikel’s absence, Nigeria will rely on Everton’s Yakubu and Wolfsburg’s Obafemi Martins to lead the attacking charge. Both possess the athleticism and speed to give defenders trouble and along with the 6′ 6″ fan favorite Nwankwo Kanu who is expected to feature as a substitute, the potential is certainly there.
As for the backline, Nigeria is much stronger in years past. Led by keeper Vincent Enyeama and defenders Joeseph Yobo and Obinna Nwaneri, Nigeria may choose to play a defensive style of football as opposed to what they are accustomed to which could in turn, allow them to utilize their speed in the counter attack.
Prediction:
This is an interesting fixture. Argentina is riding high after playing well in their recent friendlies and that could potentially not bode well for an already fairly confident team. They will be facing a dangerous team in Nigeria at home in front of what will surely be a raucous crowd. I think Argentina will come out a bit shaky, conceding some chances early on, but look for them to pull it together and try to make a statement in their first game at Ellis Park.
Pick:
What do you think? Without sentiments, I'd say Argentina 2 – 0 Nigeria. But as a Nigerian, hoping my predictions will turn out wrong, I wish the Super Eagles the very superlative best in their first match.
Two somewhat familiar foes take the pitch this Saturday when Argentina battles Nigeria in a rematch of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold Medal Match. Once again this one will be for high stakes as the two duke it out in the first of three group stage matches.
However, the difference this time is that both are not playing on completely foreign soil. Nigeria, playing on its own continent, will have plenty of encouragement from the African supporters making this a tricky opening fixture for the ambitious Albiceleste.
Argentina:
Despite probably being one of the most talented teams in International football, Argentina should consider themselves extremely lucky to be here. Their qualification campaign was certainly one to be forgotten as the 2008 Olympic gold medalists were barely fortunate enough to claim a spot in the World Cup Finals thanks to a hard fought 1-0 victory away to bitter domestic rivals Uruguay in October.
Embarrassing qualifying defeats such as the 6-1 thrashing from Bolivia and 3-1 loss to Brazil at home had many Argentina supporters calling for manager Diego Maradona’s job, no matter how much he did for the country back in his day. His erratic lineup changes and cocky, unprofessional demeanor was making the entire country question whether or not he was the right man for the job. Lucky for him, that is now in the past and he seems to have Albiceleste heading in the right track just in time for the world’s most prestigious sporting event.
In terms of attacking talent, Argentina pretty much has the best combination there is. Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Gonzolo Higuaín, AND Lionel Messi? Come on. The question is how do you get the most of them and in what combination do you use them? I actually can’t blame Maradona for trying 30 different lineups because with a talent pool that deep, who knows what the best combination is? Nonetheless, it is a good problem to have and they should surely not be lacking on the offensive front.
In terms of midfield, they are pretty well off there as well. Javier Mascherano and Juan Sebastian Veron are both experienced and proven veterans that have the ability to control the middle of the field. The defense is led by veterans Martin Demichelis and Gabriel Heinze, both have which proven they are world class as also. The biggest problem Argentina faces is just calming down and playing their game. If they can do that, expect them to go a long way.
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| Lionel Messi and Argentina face Nigeria this Saturday in a rematch of the 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medal game. |
The West African nation of Nigeria is no pretender in the world of football. Their squad is comprised of many proven European players and has the potential to give opponents trouble if they can keep things together. The biggest thing they have going for them at this point is the fact they will be playing on African soil. No matter what city in South Africa they may be, you can guarantee the supporters will follow.
However, the one thing going against them is they will be forced to play on without their midfielder and star playmaker John Obi Mikel. The Chelsea midfielder has been battling knee problems all season long and after finally recovering from surgery, both he and the team decided it is best that he not risk his career as he continues to heal. With that being said, uncapped Ideye Brown will replace Mikel on the roster.
With Mikel’s absence, Nigeria will rely on Everton’s Yakubu and Wolfsburg’s Obafemi Martins to lead the attacking charge. Both possess the athleticism and speed to give defenders trouble and along with the 6′ 6″ fan favorite Nwankwo Kanu who is expected to feature as a substitute, the potential is certainly there.
As for the backline, Nigeria is much stronger in years past. Led by keeper Vincent Enyeama and defenders Joeseph Yobo and Obinna Nwaneri, Nigeria may choose to play a defensive style of football as opposed to what they are accustomed to which could in turn, allow them to utilize their speed in the counter attack.
Prediction:
This is an interesting fixture. Argentina is riding high after playing well in their recent friendlies and that could potentially not bode well for an already fairly confident team. They will be facing a dangerous team in Nigeria at home in front of what will surely be a raucous crowd. I think Argentina will come out a bit shaky, conceding some chances early on, but look for them to pull it together and try to make a statement in their first game at Ellis Park.
Pick:
What do you think? Without sentiments, I'd say Argentina 2 – 0 Nigeria. But as a Nigerian, hoping my predictions will turn out wrong, I wish the Super Eagles the very superlative best in their first match.
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