World Cup 2014 Brazil » Group F » Live commentary: Nigeria - Argentina 2:3

Endgame Summary:
Argentina progresses to the knockout stage with the maximum of nine points, but still has to sort out a lot before the next round. The South Americans overall showed improved play, but had to rely heavily on their superstar striker again, who next to Di María was the bright spot in an otherwise very common team. Nonetheless the first step is made for the Albiceleste and that's all that counts for now, but it remains to be seen whether they can really challenge more talented teams. Nigeria advances as well with the support of Bosnia, who beat Iran 3-1 in their first ever World Cup victory. Argentina and Nigeria now await their opponent from group E that kicks off in two hours.

The Argentinian crowd starts to celebrate on the stands as their team is able to stall the last minutes of the game.

We're entering four minutes of stoppage time. Ricardo Àlvarez and Juwon Oshaniwa both seek medical attention after colliding. Replay shows a rather reckless challenge from the Nigerian that the referee completely missed.

Ambrose hits side-net! The right back cuts to the middle from the right, but his shot is deflected for a corner.

Argentina just wants to secure the result now. Di María gets a rare opportunity in transition, but his shot is blocked by Vincent Enyeama.

Emenike blasts a dangerous cross into the six yard box, who slips through several defenders before finally being cleared away.

The pace is picking up again, Di Maria whips in a cross from the left to the back post, Garay raises and misses just wide.

Lavezzi can make it four! Di María catches the Nigerian defense sleeping as he lobs a free-kick into the box. Lavezzi is through but from a tight angle he can't beat Enyeama.

It's Musa again as he nods the ball towards Onazi this time, who can't pick out Emenike in the box.

Odemwingie wins a corner, but the poor delivery can be cleared at the front post.

Mikel tries to power through the middle, but is stopped and doesn't get the free-kick he thinks he deserves.

Emenike is hurt after the play, but the striker is able to continue.

The South Americans win their tenth corner, but it's poorly executed.

Just like Kun Agüero in the first half, Michel Babatunde has gone down and has to be substituted. We're not exactly sure what happened, but the winger seems to have injured his arm.

Mikel wastes the chance! The ball bounces to the Chelsea man at the back post, but with clear side of the goal he is only able to poorly poke it right into Romero's arms.

Meanwhile Bosnia has made it two against Iron so Nigeria seems to be through despite currently losing.

The Nigerian goalkeeper might have conceded three, but has done all he could so far.

Argentina is searching for the next goal as Enyeama palms away Di Maria's strike.

Juwon Oshaniwa (Nigeria) is shown a yellow card
He brings down Nigeria and the Italian referee has to reach into his pocket again.

Kenneth Omeruo (Nigeria) is shown a yellow card
The left back is the first to be booked today.

Goooal for Nigeria, 2:2 by Ahmed Musa
The Super Eagles won't go down without a fight and come back as quick as possible for the second time today! A one-two with Emenike sends the scorer through four defenders and he keeps his cool in front of Romero.

Seconds before halftime the Barcelona player may try it again as he is brought down in front of the box.

The Africans are getting a tad more lively before the half, but it's not like they could really challenge Romero's goal.

Lavezzi takes over up front and Nigeria can finally deliver that free-kick to the far post. It looks dangerous, but nobody is able to apply the final touch and eventually Sergio Romero claims it.

Emmanuel Emenike is wrestled down by Javier Mascherano on the right side. Maybe Nigeria can get something going off a set-piece.

Argentina is able to contain the Super Eagles in their own half in the last minutes, another corner comes to nothing but a Nigeria free-kick though.

Di María delivers a hammer from 28 yards onto the right corner of the goal, but Enyeama dives well and deflects it for a corner.

The game has slowed down considerably from since its frantic start. Nigeria has settled on the defensive end and Argentina offers not much movement up front at the moment.

Ángel Di María sends a low cross through the danger area from the left, but neither Higuain or Aguero is able to get to the ball.

We have a stoppage in play because Oshaniwa needs medical attention. The defender is eventually able to continue after clashing with Gago.

On offense the Super Eagles are hindered by sloppy passing.

Di María is very involved so far and in the midst of things again as he lifts a ball into the box searching for Higuaí­n. But the defense covers well is able to thwart the play.

Higuaí­n comes close! With a through-ball Messi sets up the striker in the box, who tries to round the onrushing keeper, but is forced wide and ca only hit the side-net.

Argentina claims more possession early on and they finally show the pace to threaten a defense today.

Goooal for Nigeria, 1:1 by Ahmed Musa
Nigeria has the quick answer. The Super Eagles go out in transition and the winger finds himself with space on the left side. He cuts to the middle and superbly curls the ball into the far corner. What a strike and the Africans level the game!

Goooal for Argentina, 0:1 by Lionel Messi
What s start for the Albiceleste and Nigeria is no longer without a conceded goal! A fabulous through-ball by Javier Mascherano sends Di María behind the defense. From a tight angle he aims for the near post and off woodwork the ball bounces to the superstar, who hammers the rebound home!

We are underway in Porto Alegre where both teams sport their traditional colors: Argentina is playing in light blue and Nigeria in green.

It's all set and the teams are coming out led by Italy's Rizzoli, who is in charge of today's encounter.

Nigeria meanwhile isn't afraid of Messi and wants to focus on Argentina as team rather than the individual. Coach Stephen Keshi said the spirit of the team was good and he had no doubt they'll reach the last 16. The Africans can build on their firm defense as they are the only team that has yet to concede a single goal.

Both sides remain unchanged following their respective 1-0 victories against Iran and Bosnia. So Sabella, although already qualified, chooses to field his best team to secure their spot and avoid a potential matchup with France in the next round. The South Americans might also hope to finally underline their credentials as potential champions with an improved performance against Nigeria.

The South Americans were supposed to be one of the favorites going into the tournament, but with rather unconvincing group play the Albiceleste couldn't live up to the hype. They at least got their wins thanks two superb and game-winning goals by Messi, who otherwise underperformed as well and voiced criticism about their tactical approach. One bright moment by the superstar might be enough in group stage, but Argentina will surely have to step up their game to advance deep into the knockout stage.