Argentina prepare for Nigeria clash after getting World Cup lifeline

Argentina prepare for make or break clash with Nigeria after Lionel Messi and Co are handed World Cup lifeline

  • Lionel Messi and Co trained on Saturday with renewed hope before Nigeria clash
  • Argentina were given a final lifeline when Nigeria beat Iceland on Friday
  • Jorge Sampaoli took charge of training despite calls for him to resign at once

Argentina took to the training pitch once more on Saturday morning as they look to make the most of a lifeline handed to them by Nigeria.

Lionel Messi and Co looked as though they were heading out of the World Cup after a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Croatia left them with one point from two games.  

But Nigeria beating Iceland on Friday has left the group wide open. Argentina can now qualify if they beat Nigeria and better Iceland’s result against Croatia in the final round of fixtures. 

Lionel Messi (L) undertakes some fitness drills after Argentina are handed a World Cup lifeline

Messi and his team have come in for scathing criticism but have chance to put things right

Messi and his team have come in for scathing criticism but have chance to put things right

Jorge Sampaoli (L) led his players through a number of drills on Saturday despite calls to resign

Jorge Sampaoli (L) led his players through a number of drills on Saturday despite calls to resign

Jorge Sampaoli led the training session despite calls from South America that he should resign before Argentina even play their final group game. 

There have been reports claiming that Sampaoli has received a backlash from his players, led by Sergio Aguero who seemed more than displeased with the coach after their game. 

In a post-match interview, Aguero was asked what he thought about Sampaoli’s claim that the ‘project had failed’, with the striker responding, ‘let him say what he wants’, before abruptly ending the interview as he stormed off.

Willy Caballero (R) took to the training pitch as he looks to make amends after horror mistake

Willy Caballero (R) took to the training pitch as he looks to make amends after horror mistake

Argentina squad train with renewed hope after Nigeria's win over Iceland keeps them in battle

Argentina squad train with renewed hope after Nigeria’s win over Iceland keeps them in battle

But following Iceland’s defeat to Nigeria, the group is wide open with Argentina just two points off second place.

The team were reinvigorated as they trained on Saturday, knowing despite two dreadful displays so far they had been gifted a chance at putting it right.

They will face Nigeria in their final group game next Tuesday and must win, while also bettering the result of Iceland against Croatia. 

Messi (2-L) trains with Sergio Aguero (L) who appeared to hit out at Sampaoli after defeat

Messi (2-L) trains with Sergio Aguero (L) who appeared to hit out at Sampaoli after defeat

Aguero and Messi ride on a buggy as they begin preparations for final group game

Aguero and Messi ride on a buggy as they begin preparations for final group game

Advertisement



Read more at DailyMail.co.uk