In the FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina beat Nigeria, 3-2 to top Group-F. At Porto Alegre last night, Argentina got an early lead after Messi blasted the Di Maria rebound in the 3rd minute. Nigeria was quick to react, as in the next minute, Musa hit a stunning curl-in from the edge of the box to make it 1-1. In the first half injury time, Messi hit his second, a gorgeous free-kick, to give Argentina a goal's cushion at half time. In the 47th minute, Nigeria again equalised through Musa, who, with a beautiful finish, made it 2-2. Marcos Rojo's header in the 50th minute again gave Argentina the lead, and the match ended 3-2. Even with the defeat, Nigeria qualified to the last-16, as Iran lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina, 1-3 at Salvador. Argentina had already made it to the knock-out stage.In Group-E, Switzerland progressed into the Round of 16, after they defeated Honduras, 3-nil and Ecuador drew with already qualified France, nil-nil. Xherdan Shaqiri scored a hat-trick for Switzerland, as they finished second, behind France.In the Round of 16, France will take on Nigeria on Monday, and Argentina will meet Switzerland on Tuesday.Tonight, in Group-G, Germany will clash with United States, and Portugal will play Ghana. Both matches will be played at 9:30 PM Indian Time. No team has, so far, booked a last-16 berth from Group-G.All India Radio will broadcast a live commentary, originated by BBC, in English on the Portugal-Ghana clash. It can be heard on FM Rainbow, Rajdhani and national channel from 9:30 PM onwards.In Group-H, Belgium will play Korea Republic, while Russia will take on Algeria. These two matches will be played at 1:30 AM. Only Belgium has advanced to the knock-out stage from Group-H.
News On AIR | June 26, 2014 9:00 AM
Messi's brace helps Argentina top Group-F; Nigeria, Switzerland in round of 16