Nigeria and Iceland went head-to-head in their Group D encounter with both sides looking to try and get three points and help their chances of qualifying for the knock-out round, especially after seeing Argentina shocked by their loss to Croatia.
Nigeria Victorious as Ahmed Musa Nets Excellent Brace
The African’s will have been looking to bounce back from their opening defeat to Croatia. The Super Eagles started quickly, however, they failed to make anything of the chances they had.
Iceland were looking to continue their impressive tournament following their draw with Argentina and took the initiative with them. They continued to test Francis Uzoho but the 19-year-old was equal to their efforts.
The first-half could be summed up with the disappointment of a lack of ability in the final third. Both countries had a number of opportunities to open the scoring in the opening 45 minutes. However, they both failed to make anything happen.
Iceland did almost take the lead before the half-time whistle. Gylfi Sigurdsson swung in a beautiful delivery but Alfred Finnbogason arrived late and the ball deflects wide.
Nigeria Turn the Heat On in the Second Half
The second-half started with a bang. Nigeria came out with a clear attacking content and finally managed to break down the Icelandic wall.
The break obviously seemed to work for the Super Eagles, as they looked reinvigorated and started to play the football everyone knows they can play.
Ahmed Musa Steals the Show
Ahmed Musa capped off a wonderful goal when he took a deft touch before rifling a half-volley past the goalkeeper.
Following the breakthrough, the Nigerians got their tails up and started to take the game to the Icelandics.
Wilfried Ndidi fired a strike that went just over the crossbar following a deflection and save by Hannes Halldorsson.
The Europeans did react to the going a goal down but the African’s started to show their superiority.
Musa Once Again
Iceland looked resolute in defence but their wall was finally broken again as Nigeria looked likely to get a second for a long time.
Musa hit the woodwork with a crashing shot once again, however, moments later he got his second of the game, with a possibility that it could be considered better than his first.
Blitzing down the left, he glided past the defender and rounded the keeper to put the ball into the net.
Iceland did get some help through the VAR process, having been awarded a penalty but Sigurdsson failed to find the back of the net. He blasted the ball over the goal when he should have just rolled it into the back of the net.
What’s Next for the Two Countries?
Nigeria will want to take this performance with them to face Argentina whilst Iceland will prepare to face Croatia.
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