FIFA World Cup 2014: Match Preview: Argentina vs Nigeria

Argentina take on Nigeria in their last group match at Estádio Beira-Rio, in Porto Alegre. Argentina have already booked their spot in the Round-of-16, as they won their previous two Group F matches, with their captain Lionel Messi on the score-sheet in both the matches. 

Argentina sit comfortably on top of Group F with six points with Nigeria on four points. The Super Eagles drew their opening match against Iran, but managed to win against Bosnia-Herzegovina, with the help of Peter Odemwingie's strike in the 29th minute.

In terms of goal-scoring, both the teams are struggling. Argentina has managed to score only 3 goals, despite having goal-scoring machines like Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria on their side. Nigeria have also struggled in terms of goal-scoring, having scored only one goal in their previous two group matches.

Though Nigeria are likely to qualify for the Round-of-16, Iran also have an outside chance to qualify, provided Nigeria lose to Argentina and they defeat Bosnia-Herzegovina with a goal difference of three goals.

Nigerians have failed to score a goal in four of their last eight matches, with Argentina  having a strong defense as they conceded only one goal in seven matches. 

Here are some stats related to Argentina vs Nigeria (optasports.com):

* This will be the fourth meeting involving Nigeria and Argentina at a FIFA World Cup, with Argentina winning the previous three.

* Nigeria have won only one match in six previous attempts against Argentina in all competitions (Draw:1 / Lost: 4).

* Nigeria have never won against a South American team at World Cup (Lost: 4).

* Argentina have won 11 and lost just one of their last 14 World Cup group games (Draw: 2), scoring 27 and conceding just five in total in this run.

* Lionel Messi has scored eight goals in his last seven appearances for Argentina.

* Argentina are looking to win all three group games at a World Cup, as they managed in 2010 under Diego Maradona.

* Nigeria won their first World Cup game in 10 outings against Bosnia and Herzegovina (Draw: 3 /  Lost: 6).

* The Super Eagles have now gone 221 minutes without conceding a World Cup goal.

* Since losing their first game against African opposition at the World Cup (Cameroon in 1990), Argentina have won their last four from sides from that continent. 

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