World Cup Match Review - Nigeria vs Iceland Match Review: A Game of Warriors and Vikings

These two sides were overlooked at the start of the tournament, and despite it being just match #2 in the group stages, no one expected Group D to have Argentina languishing in last, Croatia to be the earliest to make it through to the next round, and these two teams having to fight out to see who has the clearer chance to advance.

As of the end of this game, Nigeria look like they have one foot in the door of the knockout stages, after they dispatched debutants Iceland 2-0.

On paper, this game was one where many predicted draws, as it was one of the most attacking sided teams, the Super Eagles, against one of the most defensive teams in the form of The Vikings. What transpired, however, was Nigeria’s experience in the big stages like this, versus an Icelandic side who has only seen one major competition prior to the World Cup.

The first half was a rather subdued affair, as Iceland probed into Nigeria’s defense, and the latter doing the same at the other half. Nigeria forced a few saves from Haldorsson when they had possession, but it was not the same for Iceland, as their attacks didn’t have the bite that was sorely needed. Nigeria’s young stopper, Francis Uzoho, was only forced to one key save early in the half, with Gylfi Sigurdsson’s curled free kick look set to land at the top left corner.

It was only in the second half where we saw the game kick into life. There was more conviction in Nigeria’s attacks, and Iceland kept losing the ball in midfield due to the pressure. Iceland still managed to go up to attack, with Bjarnason’s shot flashing past the goal and Saevarsson’s diagonal pass didn’t find anyone.

The breakthrough came after Moses broke free putting in a cross to an open Ahmed Musa, who controlled the ball perfectly before lashing it into the top corner, away from Haldorsson’s reach. 15 minutes before the game ended, Musa added another one, securing three points for the Super Eagles. Iceland were awarded a penalty with less than 10 minutes to go, only to see the ball ballooning over the goal, courtesy of Sigurdsson.

This game brought out a few things, particularly with Gernot Rohr, Nigeria’s head coach, making 3 changes in the line-up, with Ahmed Musa coming back to the first 11. Musa had to win Rohr’s trust in to have his place in the starting 11 back again, and what a way to prove it to the boss.

As for Iceland, it’s a wake-up call for the Vikings, as defensive football may be a good way to soften blows from the opponents, but it’s not good enough if you keep getting pummeled. They now face an uphill battle against group leaders Croatia, and they have to pray hard that Argentina beats Nigeria, with a small margin, or they can wave their knockout stage hopes goodbye.

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