Argentina vs Nigeria - Prediction

Argentina v Nigeria


Group B, 14:00 GMT, June 12, 2010
Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa

Argentina player in focus: Lionel Messi. While Messi has often struggled to find his best form under Diego Maradona, it is welcome news that the coach is planning to adopt a 4-3-3 formation with the Barcelona star featuring alongside Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez. The rumours are that Messi will be given a free role and allowed to drift behind his fellow attackers, which could allow him to flourish on the world stage.

Nigeria player in focus: Obafemi Martins. While Nigeria are not short of attacking talent, Martins has the best goals-to-games ratio for the Super Eagles with 17 goals in 31 appearances. The Wolfsburg man scored the goal that took Nigeria to the tournament and, having played in Serie A and the Premier League before his stint in Germany, he is used to coming up against the very best.

Key battle: Javier Mascherano v Haruna Lukman, a 19-year-old who plays his club football for Monaco, faces the task of replacing John Obi Mikel in the Nigeria midfield. Mikel plays a far more creative role for his national side than at Chelsea, so his replacement will need to be on top form to get the better of one of the game's greatest defensive midfielders and supply the attackers.

Trivia: Diego Maradona is the father-in-law of Argentina striker Sergio Aguero.

Stats: Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero were Argentina's leading scorers in qualification with four goals apiece. Gonzalo Higuain, Carlos Tevez and Martin Palermo each scored one.

Odds: Argentina (1.50), the draw (3.80), Nigeria (8.00) with Bet365. Carlos Tevez is at 6.00 for first or last goal-scorer.

Prediction: Argentina remain a difficult team to predict, given their wretched performances in qualifying and their wealth of talent available. Nonetheless, France reached the final four years ago despite difficulties with their coach and Maradona's men could surprise a few people in South Africa. Lagerback has had little time to work with his squad since taking over in February and, with John Obi Mikel ruled out through injury, Argentina should come out with a win.


Argentina 2-0 at least.