Last-Gasp Winner Saves Argentina

Talk about life on the edge.

There have been a few World Cup stalwarts who have well and truly underachieved in this incarnation of it -- looking at you, Germany and France -- but none have looked as outta-sync as Argentina.

And yet, it could be argued that La Albiceleste are better set than the others to make noise in the bracket.

Because, among other things, dudes just know how to keep on keepin' on.

 

Nigeria, fans who made it to St Petersburg, and a global audience have been asking that question for three matches now, and this time, everyone found their answer.

It's just not Argentina's time yet. Not sure why, though.

What with Lionel Messi still missing penalties, Marcus Rojo drilling a perfect header into his own arm, and their mates making blunders galore, why wouldn't the Nigerians think they'd sent them packing with mere seconds left in this match?

 

There the Argentinians were, needing not only a win but -- depending on the Iceland-Croatia result -- they'd likely need goals galore against the Nigerians in case of a draw in order to advance.

How'd they put themselves in such a predicament?

Dudes thought they'd avoided all the twists and turns in the 14th minute, when Ever Banega found Messi, who actually did what earned him a Ballon d'Or or two and, almost without angle, sent the ball home with a genius touch:

Despite that, Argentina continue to struggle offensively, rarely threatening the Super Eagles 'keeper, Francis Uzoho, on free kicks and the like.

That included Messi, who hit the post after a foul at the area's edge.

 

Ángel Di María was by far the worst player on the pitch, making silly mistakes even on easy passes. Conversely, the Super Eagles were threatening them with dangerous shots by Victor Moses and Ahmed Musa.

Their pressure continued into the second half, and they were ultimately rewarded in the 50th minute with a little help from the VAR. Moses was up to the task:

 

At that moment, Nigeria was going through since Iceland was losing to Croatia. It seemed like just a matter of time until the game ended and they could celebrate.

Existentialists would say that one minute is the same as any other -- and they're right -- but there's just something about the ones that occur at the end.

Argentina looked done and dusted, but they kept bringing the pressure. In the process, it was as if the valiant side of old had been reicarnated.

 

It was the 86th minute when Gabriel Mercado crossed and Marcos Rojo was there to rip a half-volley into twine:

Argentina survives, 1-2. On to the knockout against France.

Amid the delerious Argentine supporters, none other than a bloated Diego Maradona celebrated as medics tended to him.

 

Those must be the Fingers of God. Or something.

And contrary to Messi's apparent belief, God probably had other things to do.