Russia 2018 World Cup: Ahmed Musa’s Magic Opens Up Group D
It is now down to the wire in Group D of the on-going FIFA World Cup in Russia as Ahmed Musa’s second half magic ripped apart the nation of Iceland 2-0 in their second match on Friday evening in the city of Volgrograd.
Musa’s superb control and half-volleyed finish from Victor Moses’ cross followed by another composed run and slippery delivery proved adequate to send the Icelanders into mourning mood.
Interestingly, the sweet victory has now opened up the group as getting through to the knockout stages still remains a matter of mathematical calculations for the trio of Argentina, Iceland and Nigeria to decide who joins group Leaders, Croatia in the round of 16.
In an opening 45 minutes that was most notable for the fact that Nigeria wore “The Kit” and Iceland’s fans did “The Clap”, it came as little surprise that the fans inside the Volgograd Arena chose to entertain themselves with a Mexican Wave after just nine minutes.
Nigeria became the first team in this year’s competition that failed to register a shot on goal during the opening 45 minutes, something that will no doubt have escaped them as they opted to hold an impromptu huddle on the pitch before heading towards the dressing room at half-time.
Whatever was said in both locations certainly worked, with Oghenekaro Etebo needing just 14 seconds of the second period to drive through the Iceland defence and test Hannes Halldorsson. Three minutes later they were ahead as Musa expertly took down Victor Moses’ searching cross before smashing his finish into the roof of the net.
It was the first bit of incisive attacking play Nigeria had shown in their 139 minutes of action in Russia, and though Iceland threatened with the odd set-piece thereafter, the African outfit were well in control by the time Musa showcased his blistering pace to round Halldorsson and double his side’s lead.
Musa, who also hit the crossbar with a curling effort between his two successful strikes, looks set to end his two-year Leicester City nightmare this summer and sign for Galatasaray, and he will likely pose the biggest threat to Argentina’s lumbering defensive unit. But otherwise this is not a Nigeria team that should strike fear into anyone, no matter how much of a shambles Argentina have become.
While the Icelanders have an uphill task going against Croatia in their final match, the Argentines are certainly hard pressed knowing that only victory in their final Group D match against Nigeria can see them through to the knock-out stages.
Even then it might not be enough should Iceland also pick up three points and better their result against what promises to be a much-changed Croatia side.
If Nigeria’s performances thus far are anything to go by, though, then failure by Argentina to pull themselves together and beat what is not a vintage Super Eagles side would only confirm what a mess one of the great footballing nations have got themselves into.
That said, it might need a Musa-esque performance from Messi just to make sure. He’s certainly capable. Now Argentina must hope he produces when it truly matters most. – With agency report
