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Nigeria vs Argentina among 5 most anticipated Round 3 matches


The match between Nigeria and Argentina  has been listed among the five most anticipated matches in the 3rd round of the ongoing 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The first and second places have been decided in some of the groups, but same cannot be said in other groups. As the final round of matches starts today, I highlight the games the world anticipates most.

According to a report by Opinions.ng find below the most anticipated matches

1, Nigeria vs Argentina

This is arguably the most anticipated match of the final round of matches – because Argentina is involved, because Messi is involved. Messi badly needs the world cup to add to his trophy cabinet. Some analysts have said they can’t put him in the exclusive class of Maradona, Pele and Zidane until he wins the world cup.

Now, that’s arguable. But getting eliminated in group stage would be disaster, in any case. Losing – or even playing a draw – against Nigeria and not making it out of group stage will be the lowest point in his career. Can Messi avert this embarrassment? The world waits.

2, Iceland vs Croatia

The world does not anticipate this match because of the direct countries involved, but because of the indirect party – Argentina! Again, this match is critical because the fate of Argentina in this embarrassing run depends not only on the Argentina game but also on this game.

Winning Nigeria will not be enough for Argentina if Iceland beats Croatia by a wide margin. If Iceland beats Croatia by just a goal margin, Argentina will have to beat Nigeria by at least 2 goal margin to stand a chance. Tough luck, Albiceleste.

3, England vs Belgium

This match has no bearing on the qualifications as both teams have already made it to the second round. This match is not looked forward to because of the dynamics of the group but the anticipation started the moment the fixture was done. Both teams have had an easy run so far, but this will be their first real test in this world cup. It could also be a battle between Lukaku and Kan who are both gunning for the top scorer in world cup.

4, Senegal vs Colombia

When one had thought Senegal would have an easy run given the result of their first game, they put themselves in trouble after making Japan come back twice in their second match. Now, they risk not making it out of the group. To make matters worse, they are playing against a resurgent Colombian team.

Colombia was highly rated before this match but their first game loss put them in trouble. They came back smoking in their second game and got an emphatic 3 nil win over Poland. Now, Senegal is facing a wounded lion who need victory at all cost. The bad news for Senegal is, Colombia has the quality. A draw will be enough to Senegal, but can’t they stand the rampaging South Americans? The world anticipates.

5, Sweden vs Mexico

This is another tricky match – not because of the parties involved, but the party that is not directly involved but will be affected by the outcome. That is Germany. Germany currently shares second position with Sweden in the group – both on same points, goals, and goals difference.

Actually, Germany is on second position only based on head to head with Sweden, which is good for them. Winning their last game against group whipping boys, South Korea, is also not the problem for Germany, the problem is Sweden winning Mexico, which has already qualified and has nothing to lose, by a margin wider than the margin Germany gets over South Korea.

If that happens, the head to head will not be the decider, but the superior goal difference of Sweden. That sounds far fetched, but Germany should watch it. It will be a disaster if Germany fails to go beyond group stage given the pre-tournament rating. The world waits.

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