Argentina’s Lionel Messi increases his chance to get out of the shadow of Diego Maradona against Iran, and Nigeria ends Bosnia-Herzegovina’s run for advancement in the tournament. Germany and Ghana draw 2-2, opening up Team USA to advance to the round of 16 tomorrow with a win, and possible to win the group.
Group F: Argentina v Iran, 1-0
What very well looked like a shocking upset for Argentina with a draw against Iran, Lionel Messi finally found the back of the net in the first minute of stoppage time.
Even though Argentina pulled out some hefty talent in their starting line-up with previous World Cup scorer Gonzalo Higuaín, and former Real Madrid teammate Ángel di María, along with Fernando Gago, and Sergio Agüero, none could get past an inspired and strong Iranian defense. With the late win, Argentina solidify a place in the next stage, and leave Iran struggling to keep their hopes alive with only one point from their draw with Nigeria in the first round.
Group G: Germany v Ghana, 0-0
With an absolute blowout from game 1 of competition against Portugal, Germany seemed to be the comfortable pick for Saturday’s game against Ghana who fell to Team USA. No one though ever expected Ghana to come out of the defensive-gate as they did, denying any goals for the German side during the first half. Within the first six minutes of the second though they would be down 1-0 from a goal from Mario Götze. Inspired Ghana would get the next two goals, answering back in the 54th, and then again in the 63rd, giving them the lead in what could have been a shocking upset.
Germany would get the equalizer though at the 71st with Miroslav Klose, giving his celebratory forward flip for the fans. As Telegraph UK stated this is German legend’s 15th goal throughout all of his World Cup appearances and now ties with Brazil’s Ronaldo in most goals ever scored from a World Cup player.
With the game ending in a draw, and a single point for each team, Germany take the lead with 4 points and leaving Ghana with one. This opens up a lot for Team USA, and with a win against Portugal Sunday, will secure a spot in the next stage, and also put them at the top of the group. A win would also give them a chance to take the group completely with a win against Germany next week.
Group F: Nigeria v Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1-0
A great fight throughout but this game would come down to only one goal, with Nigeria’s Peter Odemwengie scoring at the 29th. With Iran’s loss in the earlier game, the win gives Nigeria 2nd place in the group for now with 4 points, and knocks Bosnia-Herzegovina out of competition. Nigeria will face Argentina with a draw or win to stay alive, or a loss from Iran to move to the round of 16.
June 22, all four teams from Group H, Belgium v Russia, South Korea v Algeria. A Belgium win would secure a spot in the next round. Group G, USA v Portugal. A win for Team USA can knock Portugal out of competition and move them to the round of 16. These games also conclude Round 2 of the group stage.