Argentina and Nigeria are ready to settle Group F’s top spot as the Albiceleste would just need a draw to win the table whereas the same result would mathematically help the Nigerians qualify ahead of Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The Albiceleste has been criticized for their lack of goals and for relying too much on Lionel Messi’s inspiration, with the star scoring two of their three goals in the tournament.
Coach Alejandro Sabella has come in for criticism for tinkering too much with his side’s tactics and formation, failing to get the best out of the attacking talent in the Argentina squad.
However, there is a feeling within the camp that Argentina will step up the quality of their football once the knockout phase begins.
A determined Nigeria know that a draw will help them qualify in second place and a win will send them to the top but manager Stephen Keshi is dealing with the injuries of defender Godfrey Oboabona, defensive midfielder Reuben Gabriel and Chelsea’s Victor Moses – this means that last week’s scorer, and Stoke City forward, Peter Odemwingie could start again.
PAST THREE MEETINGS:
Argentina 3 (Higuain, Di Maria, Echiejile og) Nigeria 1 (Obasi), International Friendly, September 2011
Nigeria 4 (Uche 2, Obinna, Amunike) Argentina 1 (Boselli), International Friendly, June 2011
Argentina 1 (Heinze) Nigeria 0, World Cup, June 2010
STATS:
Both sides have faced each other three times at the World Cup where Argentina won every match.
Argentina striker Lionel Messi scored his third World Cup goal last week. The Barcelona star failed to score a single goal in five matches at the last competition.
The Albiceleste have won 11 of their last 14 World Cup group stage matches and lost only one.
Nigeria’s win against Bosnia-Herzegovina last week marked the nation’s first World Cup victory since 1998. In between, the Super Eagles lost six of their last nine matches.
Predicted line-ups:
Nigeria: Enyeama; Efe, Omeruo, Yobo, Oshaniwa; Onazi, Mikel; Babatunde, Musa, Odemwingie; Emenike.
Victor Moses, Godfrey Oboabona and Reuben Gabriel are all doubts for Wednesday’s game.
Argentina: Romero; Zabaleta, Garay, Fernandez, Rojo; Mascherano, Gago, Di Maria; Messi, Aguero, Higuain.
