World Cup Group B preview: Argentina v Nigeria
The eyes of the world will be focussed on Argentina and their controversial coach Diego Maradona on as they take on Nigeria in their opening game of Group B.
The Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg will play host to an array of stars from the South American nation including Carlos Tévez, Gonzalo Higuain and, of course, Lionel Messi. But, despite an embarrassment of riches, there are no guarantees they’ll pick up maximum points from their opener.
During qualification, the Albicelestes stumbled over the finish line, sealing their place in the finals in the most dramatic fashion against Uruguay having come desperately close to a shock elimination. The surprise appointment of Maradona had come dangerously close to backfiring on the AFA; but in the end, the country’s prodigal son got the job done. And then promptly received a two-month banning order for insulting his critics in a press conference.
The Super Eagles, meanwhile, were unbeaten in the final round of qualification and will be keen to cause the biggest upset of the 2010 World Cup finals so far. However, they will have to make do without the services of talented midfielder John Obi Mikel, who was ruled out of the tournament last week with a knee injury.
Former Sweden coach, Lars Lagerback, was only appointed in February, but he will still feel he can outwit his inexperienced Argentina counterpart in the tactical stakes. This will be the African’s only realistic hope of putting three points on the board this weekend.
That’s not to say that Nigeria lack the players to worry Argentina. Aiyegbeni Yakubu, Obafemi Martins and John Utaka are all experienced, strong and pacey forwards who will look to get at Maradona’s unorthodox defence, which is expected to consist of four centre-backs.
However, in terms of personnel there’s no doubt that it’s Argentina who boast one of the strongest 23-man squads in South Africa this summer – particularly in the attacking third. It could well be a case of relying on outscoring the opposition rather than keeping things tight at the back this summer.
Having been effectively written off by many pundits because of the limitations of Maradona as a coach, Argentina enter this tournament as the least-fancied of the potential winners. Four years ago, they were touted as firm favourites but eventually buckled in the quarter-finals against Germany.
This time, with all six of the Argentina forwards at their imperious best, Nigeria will no doubt be worried about the real danger of Maradona’s side finding their rhythm and turning on the style. It could only take one goal for the South Americans to go on and record a rout; they’re certainly more than capable.
For all of their problems in qualification, Argentina are still widely expected to top Group B, and for good reason too. Defeat for Nigeria wouldn’t be catastrophic on Saturday, they will target the matches against Greece and South Korea to seal their place in the last 16, but how they’d enjoy recording one of the biggest World Cup wins in their history with victory over the two-time world champions.
Much will depend on Nigeria’s defence and their ability to contend with Messi and co. It’s quite possible that Bolton’s Danny Shittu will line up at the heart of the Nigerian defence, assigned the unenviable task of thwarting the world’s most revered strikeforce.
It could well be a sleepless night for him and his Nigeria teammates in Johannesburg this evening. And not just because of the hoard of vuvuzelas blaring their incessant noise across the city.
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