Held by Iceland and humiliated by Croatia, Argentina’s FIFA 2018 World Cup campaign could already have been all but over, but the 1986 winners have one final shot at salvation against Nigeria on Tuesday. Victory against the Africans, who Argentina have beaten in all four previous World Cup meetings, will secure qualification for the last 16 as long as Iceland don’t shock already-qualified Croatia.
However, despite all odds, former football captain Diego Maradona feels Argentina could defy all obstacles like they did in 1982 and 1990 and clear their path to the knockouts. Even if Iceland claim a first ever World Cup victory, Argentina could still progress on goal difference. But bouncing back will take a huge improvement in performance and strength of character so far unseen from the two-time world champions in Russia.
“It’s disturbing to see Argentina sitting rock bottom of the group with just one match to go. The task is difficult not only because a win is necessary. We also have to depend on the outcome of the Croatia-Iceland match. However, being a believer, I refuse to give up hope in La Albiceleste,” Maradona wrote in his column for Times of India on Tuesday.
“The situation reminds me of 1982 and 1990. Defending champions both times, we had started with defeats. We won the remaining two matches on the first occasion before crashing out in the second round. In the second, when I was captain, we reached the final. Leaving aside the difference in where we finished eventually, I look at the fact that despite landing in a spot twice, we came out fighting and crossed the group hurdle. It gives me belief this can be done.”
Nigeria beat Iceland 2-0 on Friday to revive their hopes of advancing into the knockout stages of the World Cup in Russia, as striker Ahmed Musa dramatically marked his return to the team with two fine second-half goals. The result left both sides, and struggling Argentina, still in the hunt to go through from Group D along with already-qualified Croatia. “Nigeria are a dangerous opponent. We have played them several times at the World Cup, including in 2014, and won every time. That gives us a psychological edge. They have three points and even a draw can take them through if Iceland fail to beat Croatia. Nigeria will be charged up. Our boys have to show desire and play the match of their lives,” the scorer of 34 international goals for Argentina, mentioned.