After stumbling in its first two matches in Russia, Argentina would secure their spot in the round of 16 defeating Nigeria 2-1 Tuesday.
Going into Tuesday Argentina was winless after a 1-1 tie with Iceland in their first game and a stunning upset loss to Croatia 3-0. Argentina desperately needed a win to keep their world cup hopes alive.
Star striker Lionel Messi would score his first goal of the 2018 World Cup in the 14th minute of play to give Argentina a 1-0 lead. Victor Moses of Nigeria evened up the score in the second half with a goal coming from a PK in the 51st minute.
With elimination looming in the event of a tie, Argentina’s Marcus Rojo scored the go-ahead goal off a perfect centering pass from Gabriel Mercado.
With the win, Argentina has advanced to the knockout round where they will face France on Saturday.
Seven other teams have advanced to the knockout round as well.
They include
Uruguay
Portugal
France
Spain
Russia
Denmark
Croatia
The Round of 16 begins Saturday.
