International Football
AMERICA’S CBS LISTS NIGERIA-ARGENTINA MATCH AMONG TOP 10 WORLD CUP GROUP STAGE GAMES
With no clear ‘Group of Death’ in the FIFA World Cup 2018, even though the Group B that pitches Portugal and Spain together looks like one, analysts now look out for individual group games to create some excitements.
One of such is that of America’s commercial broadcast television network, CBS which has listed 10 matches the sporting world should watch out for at the group stage of Russia 2018.
One of the listed matches is the Argentina versus Nigeria Group D match slated for June 26 in Saint Petersburg. Incidentally, World Cup fixtures of Argentina and Nigeria have become a recurring feature. The June 26 match comes a day after the 24th anniversary of their first encounter in Boston at the USA ’94.
According to the analysis by the CBS the Super Eagles just crushed Argentina 4-2 in a friendly last month, “but that wasn’t a game that tells us much. It’s still fun when they get together”.
Their match will be fifth time out of six World Cups that they have been in the same group. Vengeance, on both sides, will no doubt be the recurring thought.
For Nigeria, it will be an occasion to avenge the earlier four defeats inflicted on previous squads of the Super Eagles who lost all the encounters by the odd goal.
For Argentina, it will also be a time to revenge on the humiliating 4-2 defeat of last month in a friendly tie in Krasnodar, Russia.
The other nine matches listed by the CBS as top group games are:
Russia vs. Saudi Arabia, June 14
It’s the opening game at the cup, and you can’t miss it. The openers are always fun because the host is playing and it’s a chance for them to get off to a flying start or for the sky to start falling.
Portugal vs. Spain, June 15
Arguably the tastiest match of the group stage, both teams feel that they can win the whole cup. You’ve got the 2010 World Cup champs in Spain and the reigning Euro 2016 winners with Cristiano Ronaldo. A lot of these players know each other so well, and it’s always fun when neighbouring countries and rivals get together.
Argentina vs. Iceland, June 16
This could be Lionel Messi’s last chance at winning the World Cup, and Argentina opens with tiny but fierce Iceland. Argentina should win, but they were also 0-0 against Iran in 2014 until Messi’s late magic. Iceland has chance to pull off a shocker, though it isn’t expected.
Mexico vs. Germany, June 17
Probably the second best match-up of the group stage. If either team loses this one, pressure is on big time the rest of the group stage. A lot at stake.
Belgium vs. Panama, June 18
Belgium is, again, a dark horse, but this is also Panama’s first ever World Cup. It’s always amazing to see the faces of the fans of such a small nation as they experience this for the first time. Panama probably won’t do much, but they are just happy to be there.
France vs. Peru, June 21
Peru has shown as much heart as any team in qualifying and have tons of speed in attack. They’ve gutted out some good results, like 0-0 at Argentina late in qualifying, and will be looking to do something similar here.
Uruguay vs. Russia, June 25
Uruguay seems to almost always get drawn with the hosts, and they usually do a good job against them (2011 Copa America in Argentina and 2010 World Cup in South Africa come to mind). This could be the match Russia needs to win to get through.
Mexico vs. Sweden, June 27
Assuming El Tri doesn’t beat Germany in the first game, this would be the one Juan Carlos Osorio’s team has to have to get through. Mexico and Sweden will likely be fighting for second place, with this one the decider.
England vs. Belgium, June 28
Both teams may have their fate sealed by this time, but they are going to want to try and avoid likely Poland or Colombia in the next round (I’d rather play Poland). These are two talented teams that haven’t lived up to expectations, so they’ll want to enter the knockout stage with momentum
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Ecstatic Norway Give No Way for Senegal; Perform the ‘Viking Rowing’ In Their Sail To Knockout Stage
Bet9ja FACT FILE: Modrić’s Remarkable World Cup Streak Reaches 20 Matches
Algeria Files FIFA Complaint Over Messi Incident in World Cup Loss to Argentina
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- World Cup4 days ago
‘Most Oppressed Team’: Iran Set for FIFA Showdown Over Travel Rules
- World Cup2 days ago
U.S. defends Iran World Cup travel restrictions, says discussions ongoing
- World Cup1 week ago
Atlas Lions Roar Again: Morocco Hold Five-Time Champions, Brazil In Another World Cup Statement
- World Cup1 week ago
Back in Canada After 39 Years: A Return to Where the Journey Began
- World Cup1 week ago
Doku Faces World Cup-or-Fatherhood Dilemma as Belgium Star Awaits First Child
- World Cup1 week ago
Salah Eyes Birthday Gift as Egypt Seek Historic World Cup Breakthrough Against Belgium
- World Cup1 week ago
Tunisia Become Second African Casualty as Sweden Hit Five in World Cup Rout
- World Cup5 days ago
South Africa’s Zwane Banned for Three Matches After World Cup Red Card