Finally, we saw the fight we were waiting from Argentina and their manager Jorge Sampaoli. For Leo Messi finally leading his troops to the next rounds, after La Pulga (The Flea) scored his first goal in this Cup.

I do give this group a capital A for its effort and its perseverance in the end. My three thoughts on La Albiceleste all around achievement that made the whole of Saint Petersburg tremble with many Argentina hinchas or followers’ display of happiness.

Lionel Messi- He delivered the main ingredient missing in his group: unity  

The day arrived when Argentina and its Talisman finally smiled. Of course, they have won with such a difficulty and against a worthy adversary that always stood its ground and never surrendered that easily.  His first goal scored in this World Cup came in the 14th minute and gave a nation so obsessed with football a reason to hope for the best. Still I do credit La Pulga for uniting his group and getting the best of each player in Argentina’s initial eleven that gave its best effort and delivering in the end. Unity, fight, effort and initiative made this group persevere lead by the greatest, bravo Messi!

Jorge Sampaoli- The right moves in the opportune moment for Argentina

Today manager Sampaoli was in the eye of the hurricane and not a popular figure in his natal Argentina. Still many were critical of his moves when he brought Maxi Meza many thought the move was for Paulo Dybala. In the end, his moves did pay off as the substitutions put the Nigerian defense in a dire situation. By rallying his troops and putting an end many negatives, now they move on to the round of 16.

Gabriel Caballero and Marcos Rojo- The right place and time, indeed!

What are those two doing there, is not their place the announcer said. Still for these two defenders having a rough tournament, finally luck shine on their path. Not Aguer, Higuain, Meza OR Messi himself, this was of a defender being in the right place and in the opportune moment.  Delivering the game winner and pass for its squad. Yes the Manchester United man that after getting all sorts of negative reviews him and Gabriel Caballero, these two silence all of La Albiceleste fiercest of critics with results!

With a nice center from Caballero, Rojo was in charge of shooting the ball to his right and putting the ball in the corner out of reach of the Nigerian keeper and scoring the goal of gold and the one that gave the coveted pass to the Argentinians.

My Plus

Thanks to Nigeria, La Albiceleste earned its pass to the round of 16. Yes with a win over the week against Iceland, that kept the hopes alive for them. Despite the loss for the Super Eagles, I credit they are a very intelligent squad in their game displayed through the whole course of this match. At the end, fatigue started taking a toll for the Nigerians and this was one point well taken by the Andeans. That is football unjust for the hardworking Nigerians seeing their luck dwindle in the 86’ minute with that golden goal.

Unity, insistence, and perseverance were the traits shown by La Albiceleste today, characteristics they will need in their next test in the round of 16 against France.