The Dhaka Times Desk The World Cup 2018 is quite packed. Yesterday (Tuesday) the battle for the status of the two groups was finally won by Argentina. Argentina went through to the knockout stage with a great win. Argentina will face France on Saturday, June 30 at 8 p.m.
The world witnessed a breathtaking match. A must-win to advance to the last sixteen, looking forward to the Croatia-Iceland match as well - with such a complicated equation in mind, Argentina started with enthusiasm, not under pressure against Nigeria in the last match of 'D' group. Argentina ended the first half with a 1-0 lead by Lionel Messi's goal in the 14th minute. However, Nigeria disappointed them by scoring from the penalty spot after the break. Although there is some controversy about that penalty. But 4 minutes before the end of the game, Rojo's great goal won 2-1 and Argentina went to the knockout stage, that is, to the last sixteen.
Nigeria attacked first in St. Petersburg but could not do much good. In the 9th minute, Ahmed Musa's short shot went over the bar. After four minutes, Kelechi Iahinacho put Argentina's defense under pressure when Javier Mascherano lost the ball at his feet. But Mascherano corrected that mistake by resisting him.
Soon after, the gallery erupted in azure-blue celebrations. Lionel Messi took control of the ball with his thigh when Ever Banega's long cross was slightly away from the box. Konakuni then took a superb right-footed shot, the ball curling past the far post and into the net beyond the reach of Nigeria goalkeeper Frankis Uzohar. The incident took place exactly 14 minutes into the game.
Argentina had a good chance to score another goal in the 27th minute. Higuain entered the opponent's box with the ball extended by Messi. But Uzoha came forward and stopped him. Angel Di Maria created a great moment in the 32nd minute. Balogan fouled him and showed him a yellow card before rushing into the box.
Prevent Messi's shot from this free kick to the left. The ball touches Uzoha's hand and gently touches the post and misses the target. Argentina ended the first half with a 1-0 lead. Nigeria leveled the game at 1-1 through a controversial penalty in the second half. But the Argentine players did not stop. They took the ball at great speed and 4 minutes before the end of the game, Rojo's great goal won 2-1 and Argentina went to the knockout stage, that is, to the last sixteen.
The day was very important for Argentina fans in Bangladesh. Yesterday's match showed the world that Argentina can play. Lionel Messi did not disappoint billions of fans. He showed great skill to clinch the win. As Iceland were defeated by Uruguay 2-1. Therefore, Argentina went to the knockout stage.
Argentina will face France on Saturday, June 30 at 8 p.m. Billions of viewers around the world, including Bangladesh, will once again look at Messi and his team. If they win that day, Argentina will go to the quarter finals. That's what fans expect.
English 
Bengali