With three games left in Group D of the FIFA World Cup, Argentina needs a miracle to avoid what could be the most embarrassing performance by the South American titans in a FIFA World Cup.
La Albiceleste's point tally leaves them in need of a victory against Nigeria in Matchday 3 of the competition, but even then, there are some scenarios in which not even that could save them from an early World Cup exit.
Argentina's chances of survival will rely heavily on what Nigeria and Iceland do tomorrow. Let's have a closer look at how things stand, so you know how complicated things could get for Messi and Co.
Group D standings
Nigeria vs Iceland
This is the game that will determine what Argentina need to do on Matchday 3. The best outcome for La Albiceleste in this game would be a draw, since they would "only" require to beat Nigeria in their last game and hope for Iceland to lose against Croatia.
A potential win for Iceland would force Argentina to beat Nigeria in their last game of the group, hoping that Iceland loses against Croatia. Group D's runner up spot would be decided by goal average.
A win by Nigeria would mean that La Albiceleste and the Super Eagles will fight each other for a spot in the next round. It would be a do-or-die game, just like the one they had to endure against Ecuador to secure their spot in the FIFA World Cup.
Detalles del partido, resultado y transmisión original del mismo.
Este partido ha concluido. Más abajo encontrarás los detalles de transmisión en vivo del partido
Cobertura de TV y streaming en vivo en United States
Matchday 3 - Croatia vs Iceland
Croatia could secure the top spot of this group with a draw. If Iceland defeats Nigeria on Friday, a draw in this game could qualify both of them. Should Iceland earn a draw against the African side, a win here would lift them past La Albiceleste and into the next round.
Detalles del partido, resultado y transmisión original del mismo.
Nigeria 1 - 2 Argentina
junio 26, 2018 2:00Saint-Petersburg Stadium (Sankt-Peterburg (St. Petersburg))Este partido ha concluido. Más abajo encontrarás los detalles de transmisión en vivo del partido
Cobertura de TV y streaming en vivo en United States
Matchday 3 - Nigeria vs Argentina
Sampaoli's men dropped the ball big time against Croatia, and now, anything but a win against Nigeria will send them packing. The last time these teams met saw the Super Eagles flying high over La Albiceleste, defeating them 4-1. Will history repeat itself?
Detalles del partido, resultado y transmisión original del mismo.
Este partido ha concluido. Más abajo encontrarás los detalles de transmisión en vivo del partido
Cobertura de TV y streaming en vivo en United States
So there you have it. Argentina's chances of making it to the next round are narrow, to say the least. Will Messi and Co. survive elimination? Judging by Maradona's reaction after the game, things are not looking good.
Who will win Groups C and D?
Group C
France has already qualified to the next round, and a draw against Denmark would see them through in first place. The Danish Dynamite would also benefi from that result, as they would end the group stage with 5 points, one more than those Australia could reach if they beat Peru.
Group D
As things stand now, Iceland has the upper hand over Nigeria and Argentina. With Croatia already through, the Scandinavian side seems to be holding all the cards to win four points out of their remaining six, which would be good enough to reach the next stage. With that in mind, Nigeria and Argentina will have to watch the rest of the tournament on TV.