Preview
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Date: Saturday, 12 June 2010
Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: BBC1, BBC HD and BBC Radio 5 live, live video and live text commentary on this website
TEAM NEWS
Argentina coach Diego Maradona is tipped to switch to a three-man attack to accommodate Carlos Tevez.
The Manchester City striker is likely to play alongside Gonzalo Higuain and Lionel Messi. Newcastle's Jonas Gutierrez is set to start on the right side of midfield but may have to fill in at right-back when the Argentines are under pressure.
Nigeria will be without Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, who withdrew from the squad due to a knee problem. His place could go to Monaco youngster Lukman Haruna, who has impressed in warm-up games.
MATCH PREVIEW
Diego Maradona won his last cap against Nigeria at USA '94, so there is a certain symmetry in the Super Eagles again providing the opposition for his first World Cup match as Argentina coach. Maradona's playing pedigree is without question, but he is probably the least experienced of all the coaches in South Africa.
Just like during his playing days, Maradona seems to relish surprising and outwitting all comers, and he is expected to abandon 4-4-2 in favour of a three-man attack. That formation should suit Lionel Messi and accommodate Carlos Tevez. "Carlitos cannot be left out of the team. He is an idol of the people, more than me and Lionel Messi, so I read," Maradona says.
Only two months ago Maradona said Argentina would line up this summer as they did against Germany in March, using a pragmatic 4-4-2 formation featuring four centre-backs. Was Maradona trying to sell watching scouts a dummy, or has he simply had a last-minute change of heart? And if things don't go to plan at Ellis Park, how long before Maradona again opts to shuffle his pack? With Sergio Aguero & Diego Milito in the squad, he's not short of options.
The Argentine bench alone could be enough to give Nigeria defender Danny Shittu sleepless nights. He could start against the South Americans despite failing to make a single appearance for Bolton this season. The Super Eagles' preparations have been far from smooth, and the withdrawal of Chelsea's John Obi Mikel was a real blow. Coach Lars Lagerback took Sweden to the last 16 at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups but has his work cut out this summer.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
- Argentina are unbeaten in their three previous full internationals against Nigeria. The South Americans met the Super Eagles in the group stages of the 1994 and 2002 World Cups, winning 2-1 and 1-0. They also drew 0-0 in the Confederations Cup in 1995.
- The Argentines beat Nigeria in the final of the 2005 Fifa Under-20 World Cup and the gold medal match at the 2008 Olympics. The Africans did get the better of the Albiceleste at the 1996 Olympics, winning 3-2 in the final.
ARGENTINA
- Diego Maradona won the last of his 91 caps against Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup. He subsequently failed a doping test and was sent home from the tournament.
- The last time Argentina lost their opening World Cup game was against African opposition in 1990, when Cameroon beat them 1-0 at the San Siro in Milan.
- Lionel Messi scored 47 times in 53 games for Barcelona in 2009/10, but netted only four goals in Argentina's 18 qualifying matches.
NIGERIA
- Lars Lagerback was in joint charge of Sweden at the 2002 World Cup. The Swedes drew 1-1 with Argentina in their final group game, a result that eliminated the South Americans.
- The Super Eagles were unbeaten in qualifying, although they only booked their spot in South Africa thanks to Obafemi Martins' late winner against Kenya in their final match.
- Nigeria are the only African side to have reached the last 16 twice - they did so at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee:Wolfgang Stark (Germany)
Assistants: Jan-Hendrik Salver & Mike Pickel (both Germany)
Fourth official: Khalil Al Ghamdi (Saudi Arabia)
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