Iceland coach Heimir Hallgrímsson
Photo: FIFA.com

Nigeria melts Iceland

Iceland 0 : 2 Nigeria

Iceland started their World Cup journey with a tie against Argentina but the promising foundation they built all came crashing down on Friday against the Flying Eagles of Nigeria in Volgograd.

The first half was plodding and both sides had impressive spells of possession. Iceland had their chances but could not find that final touch to get the ball in the back of the net. The game seemed to be played at a pace that favored the slower Iceland squad with Nigeria getting bogged down by the methodical style of the their opponents.  At the half it was anybody’s game to win or lose.

Nigeria came out in the second half with something to prove.

Playing for their World Cup lives, they came out and exploited their speed and counter attacking skills in a way they did not in the opening half.  Ahmed Musa claimed man on the match honors with his two outstanding goals. An exceptional first touch off a cross into the box set him up for a rocket of a volley in the 49th minute. He displayed his pace and skill again in the 75th to expose Iceland’s back line and double the score.

Gylfi Sigurdsson had a chance to bring Iceland back to within striking distance with ten minutes left but sent his penalty kick high and never troubled nineteen year old Nigerian keeper Francis Uzoho.

It was a disappointing day for Iceland but a triumph for Nigeria.

The results also leave Group D wide open. Croatia, following their win over Argentina, are already assured to advance but Iceland and Argentina will be fighting for their survival in the third game.  Nigeria must beat or draw with Argentina and Iceland must defeat Croatia to have any hope.