FIFA WC 2018 Highlights: Argentina ride on Rojo goal to enter Round of 16

Moscow, June 27: Marcos Rojo was Argentina's unlikely hero as his stunning late winner secured a 2-1 defeat of Nigeria on Tuesday (June 26) that keeps Lionel Messi's side in the World Cup.

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The Super Eagles were heading through to the last 16 at Argentina's expense with four minutes to go of the final Group D game, but Rojo's sensational low volley saved Jorge Sampaoli's men and set up a showdown with France in the next round.

Messi gave Argentina the lead in St Petersburg on Tuesday, the Barcelona superstar scoring a stunner to bring up the 100th goal of Russia 2018.

#ARG left it late. So, very late.
Next up on Saturday…..#FRA.🔥 pic.twitter.com/RpDaYrOsSx

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 26, 2018

But when Javier Mascherano dragged down Leon Balogun in the box shortly after the restart, Victor Moses stepped up to roll Nigeria level and within touching distance of progressing.

Never in doubt.
Was it? 🤔#NGAARG #ISLCRO pic.twitter.com/i2YhosG1Aa

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 26, 2018

Sampaoli sent on attackers Cristian Pavon, Maximiliano Meza and Sergio Aguero, but it was defender Rojo who came up with a quite brilliant winner.

The right-wing cross from another defender, Gabriel Mercado, was perfectly placed for Rojo to arrive late and slam home an improbable, unstoppable finish that extends Argentina's stay at the World Cup.

Source: OPTA