Nigeria’s forward Ahmed Musa (L) vies with Iceland’s midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Iceland at the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd on June 22, 2018. NICOLAS ASFOURI / AFP
The 2018 edition of the FIFA World Cup is here. Welcome to our daily updates of the world’s biggest football competition.
Nigeria vs Iceland
90+7′ The referee blows the final whistle. Ball possession is Nigeria 57% – Iceland 43%.
Nigeria’s forward Ahmed Musa (L) and teammates celebrate their victory at the end of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Iceland at the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd on June 22, 2018. Mark RALSTON / AFP
90′ Super Eagles Midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo leaves the field to be replaced by Alex Iwobi in a tactical substitution.
Ball possession is Nigeria 59% – 41% Iceland.
82′ PENALTY – Nigeria’s Tyronne Ebuehi concedes a penalty for tripping Alfred Finnbogason.
Gylfi Sigurdsson from Iceland hits the crossbar and misses the spot kick.
75′ GOAAAAAL: A brilliant effort from Ahmed Musa to double Nigeria’s lead.
Kenneth Omeruo provided the assist for the goal.
3 – Ahmed Musa has scored each of Nigeria’s last three World Cup goals, with this goal meaning he is the highest goalscorer at World Cup tournaments for the Super Eagles. Flying. #NGA #ISL #NGAISL pic.twitter.com/Azn3y1U6BB
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 22, 2018
66′ Nigeria create another good opportunity to extend their lead but Victor Moses sends the effort wide off target.
60′ Gylfi Sigurdsson from Iceland swings in the corner from the left to put Nigeria in a dangerous situation but Victor Moses relieves the pressure with a clearance.
57′ Danger as Onyinye Ndidi tries his luck from outside the box.
The shot is deflected and forces Hannes Thor Halldorsson into an uncomfortable save. It’s corner kick.
49′ G O O O A A A L – Ahmed Musa scores Nigeria’s first goal at the tournament.
Victor Moses provided the assist for the goal.
Nigeria’s forward Ahmed Musa (L) celebrates with Nigeria’s defender Leon Balogun after scoring their second goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Iceland at the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd on June 22, 2018. Mark RALSTON / AFP
We are making sense now….. #WorldCup #NaijaIssaGoal
— Benjamin Gideon (@graig_daboss) June 22, 2018
This is Nigeria
The spirit now is “WE DIE HERE”#WorldCup #Nigeria #NaijaIssaGoal
— JoshSpeaks (@bobbyjoshe) June 22, 2018
Let’s get the second goal please #NaijaIssaGoal
— 💎 (@babyfaze01) June 22, 2018
Africa Stand Up! @AhmedMusa7 opens the scoring! With the man himself @fundacionmessi in the crowd repping #TeamNaija, are you?? lets support our African boys. #NaijaAlltheway#NaijaIssaGoal #TeamAnyikoPR#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/3UY4HmgfYH
— ANYIKO PR (@anyikopr) June 22, 2018
A clever photoshop skill got Lionel Messi among the Super Eagles supporters.
Nigeria’s forward Ahmed Musa celebrates after scoring their opener during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Iceland at the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd on June 22, 2018. Mark RALSTON / AFP46′ The second half is underway.
Here are what Nigerians are saying about Eagles’ performance after the first half.
Do dis guys even know that the match is a must win… What are they even doing there. No shot, talk more of shot on target. #WorldCup #NGAISL #NaijaAllTheWay #NaijaIssaGoal pic.twitter.com/CiFxZbFWo9
— Black Or White (@Yink1234) June 22, 2018
Naija should better convert their ball possession to goals
.#NaijaIssaGoal #NaijaAllTheWay #Russia2018WorldCup #Russia2018
— buzzex3me (@buzzex3me) June 22, 2018
Crosses are terrible! Possession won’t turn to 3points. No shot on goal! No focus! 😏 #NaijaIssaGoal
— ❤Oluwatumilara❤ (@bandy56) June 22, 2018
The @NGSuperEagles are playing very well but we really need that breakthrough goal.. I think we need one very sharp striker.
retweet if you agree#NaijaIssaGoal #ShareACokeWithOurSuperEagles
— OLUWATOBA OLALEKAN 🇳🇬 (@CLASSICNAIJA247) June 22, 2018
45+3′ The referee blows for half time.
45+1′ Birkir Saevarsson puts Nigeria in a dangerous situation with a cross.
William Troost-Ekong clears the danger but is forced to give away a corner.
A chance presents itself as Gylfi Sigurdsson swings in the corner from the left but Jon Dadi Boedvarsson’s header goes wide.
40′ Nigeria create a good opportunity to score as Onyinye Ndidi puts in a dangerous cross.
Hannes Thor Halldorsson rushes out to claim the ball. Ball possession is Nigeria 59% – 41% Iceland.
Reactions from Nigerians
Our heads is in this game! @NGSuperEagles #NaijaIssaGoal pic.twitter.com/em8nz2YEXC
— Naufal Ahmad Netizen (@9aufal) June 22, 2018
Na wa o did our fans forget to carry their trumpets ??
I am not hearing any pa raan raan raan raan pa pa raan raan #NaijaIssaGoal#NGAISL#NaijaAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/aeC6hDfxLJ
— Alex🇩🇰🇳🇬 (@in_car_nate) June 22, 2018
#NGAISL #NGAISL I don’t know about you but am so enjoying this match….it’s been a long time I watched Police game. #NaijaAllTheWay #NaijaIssaGoal pic.twitter.com/ksqHfNVpZb
— ISRAEL FABZ (@olumidefabz) June 22, 2018
This super eagles don’t know when someone is serious.
I no wan hear story oo… u must win this match #NaijaIssaGoal
— Ayinke (@oreofe_bankole) June 22, 2018
31′ Ragnar Sigurdsson from Iceland cuts off the run of Kelechi Iheanacho, prompting the referee to award a free-kick. Oghenekaro Etebo crosses the ball into the box from the free-kick but it ends with a goal-kick.
5 – All five of Nigeria’s wins at the World Cup have been against European sides, most recently against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2014. Opportunity.#NGAISL #NGA #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/EL23fmt5Ao
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 22, 2018
20′ A chance for Nigeria as Victor Moses passes the ball in the box but it’s intercepted by an Iceland player.
The Super Eagles are still in control of the game with 58% – 42% ball possession.
Iceland’s defender Kari Arnason (C) falls past Nigeria’s midfielder John Obi Mikel during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Iceland at the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd on June 22, 2018. Mark RALSTON / AFP
14′ Pressure for the Super Eagles as a player from Iceland takes a long throw from the left side of the pitch into the opponent’s box. Captain John Mikel relieves the pressure.
10′ Nigeria take control of the ball and try to create a good chance.
Ball possession in the first 10 minutes is Nigeria 59% – 41% Iceland.
2′ Nigerian defender Brian Idowu is penalised for pushing Kari Arnason.
Gylfi Sigurdsson takes the free-kick and his strike forces a good save from Francis Uzoho.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper Francis Uzoho (L) catches the ball next to Iceland’s midfielder Aron Gunnarsson (back R) and Nigeria’s defender Kenneth Omeruo (R) during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Iceland at the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd on June 22, 2018. Philippe DESMAZES / AFP
4:00 pm: Match kicks off.
The line-ups for both teams are highlighted below;
Nigeria
Francis Uzoho, Bryan Idowu, Wilfred Ndidi, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Ahmed Musa, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Obi Mikel (capt), Victor Moses, Kelechi Iheanacho, Kenneth Omeruo
Coach: Gernot Rohr (GER)
Iceland
Hannes Halldorsson, Birkir Saevarsson, Ragnar Sigurdsson, Birkir Bjarnason, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Alfred Finnbogason, Kari Arnason, Aron Gunnarsson (capt), Hordur Magnusson, Rurik Gislason, Jon Bodvarsson
Coach: Heimir Hallgrimsson (ISL)
Referee: Matt Conger (NZL)
An Important Game
The match is very crucial for the Nigerian team because it will determine their fate at the competition as they are currently at the bottom of the table.
Nigeria lost their opening match to Croatia 2-0 while Argentina and Iceland played 1-1 last week.
The Croats continued their winning streak on Thursday when they beat Lionel Messi led Argentina team 3-0 to dominate the group.
Should the Super Eagles beat Iceland today, they will move to the second spot on the table with three points while Iceland and Argentina will remain at the bottom with one point apiece.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles Supporters’ Club fans are already in Volgograd ahead of the game.
The football supporters are anticipating a victory for the three-time African champions to stand a chance to advance to the round of 16 in the tournament.
A fan dressed as a prophet rang a bell and chanted a prayer predicting, a win for Nigeria while bemused Iceland fans watched them.
The Icelanders said they admired the show put up by the Nigerians but shrugged off the ‘prophet’s” prediction.
Here are some tweets in support of the Super Eagles below;
📸 🇳🇬🇳🇬#SoarSuperEagles #NGA #Team9jaStrong #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/KEb8xPgsQP
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) June 22, 2018
Among the #NGA starters is @VictorMoses – wonder if he’ll produce any of this magic this afternoon 🤔 pic.twitter.com/t7E6h7fJtI
— Premier League (@premierleague) June 22, 2018
Today we are all #Green ♻️♻️♻️♻️♻️#SoarSuperEagles #GoNaija #NGA pic.twitter.com/vXEGUK6aTE
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) June 22, 2018
MOOD LETS GET IT #NGA 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🦅🦅🦅🦅 pic.twitter.com/jprZ3jgDa9
— Little Naitch (@NuraaMaida) June 22, 2018
June 21, 2018
France vs Peru
France into World Cup knockout stage after beating Peru
France reached the last 16 of the World Cup on Thursday after Kylian Mbappe’s 34th-minute goal defeated Peru.
Mbappe, at 19 years and 183 days, became France’s youngest ever World Cup scorer but Peru will exit the tournament despite a spirited second-half performance.
Mbappe made the difference and France are into the knock out stage while Peru are out of the World Cup.
Full Time: France 1-0 Peru.
31′ Jose Guerrero from Peru found himself in a great scoring position but Hugo Lloris denied him with a brilliant save.
10′ Peru’s Alberto Rodriguez chips the ball into the penalty area but the ball gets into Hugo Lloris’ safe hands as he comes out to claim it.
Ball possession in the first 10 minutes is France 48% – 52% Peru.
4:00 pm Referee blows the opening whistle.
France’s forward Olivier Giroud (front) and Peru’s defender Alberto Rodriguez compete for the ball during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group C football match between France and Peru at the Ekaterinburg Arena in Ekaterinburg on June 21, 2018. HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP
Starting line-ups for the World Cup Group C game between France and Peru at Yekaterinburg Arena on Thursday (1500 GMT kick-off):
France’s forward Olivier Giroud (2R) attends with team-mates a training session at the Ekaterinburg Arena in Ekaterinburg on June 20, 2018 on the eve of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group C football match between France and Peru. FRANCK FIFE / AFP
France: Hugo Lloris, Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Hernandez, Paul Pogba, Ngolo Kante, Blaise Matuidi, Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe.
Coach: Didier Deschamps (FRA)
Peru: Pedro Gallese, Luis Advincula, Christian Ramos, Alberto Rodriguez, Miguel Trauco, Pedro Aquino, Yoshimar Yotun, Andre Carrillo, Christian Cueva, Edison Flores, Paolo Guerrero
Coach: Ricardo Gareca (ARG)
Denmark vs Australia
Thank you. Join us by 4:00 pm for the next match between France and Peru.
READ ALSO: Denmark Hold Australia To 1-1 Draw
90+4′ The referee blows the final whistle. Both teams played 1 all with ball possession: Denmark 49% – Australia 51%.
80′ Pione Sisto from Denmark has an opportunity and directs the ball behind the defence but the chance eventually goes begging.
72′ Tom Rogic from Australia shoots from outside the box but Kasper Schmeichel has it under control.
A few seconds later, Pione Sisto gets a wonderful chance to score but somehow misses the target!
57′ Denmark’s Lasse Schoene tries to head the ball to his team-mate but it is intercepted by an Australian player.
Simon Kjaer later commits a foul by elbowing Mile Jedinak from Australia.
45+3′ The referee blows the whistle for half time. The first part ended 1-1 with Denmark 46% – 54% ball possession.
45′ Simon Kjaer from Denmark crosses the ball, but his team mate arrives a little late and can’t benefit from it.
Safe hands from Mathew Ryan as he comes out and claims the ball.
Key stats:
👉 There have now been more penalties (11) at the 2018 #WorldCup than in the entire group phase in 2014 (10)
👉 @Socceroos‘ penalty was the fifth that was awarded after consulting VAR at the 2018 #WorldCup #DENAUS pic.twitter.com/ASngn4eiv8
— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 21, 2018
A decent half of football in Samara! #DENAUS pic.twitter.com/C9LxuFAszp
— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 21, 2018
The captain delivers from the spot once more 💪#DENAUS pic.twitter.com/Y5KdwUi6N9
— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 21, 2018
38′ G O O O A A A A A A L – Mile Jedinak puts it away from the penalty spot!
The scoreline has been levelled.
37′ Yussuf Poulsen from Denmark is shown a yellow card by the referee.
The referee the situation and awards a penalty in favour of Australia.
20′ Tom Rogic from Australia creates a good chance when he cuts the opponents’ defence open with a through ball but Henrik Dalsgaard clears the danger for Denmark with a good tackle.
Denmark’s midfielder Christian Eriksen (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group C football match between Denmark and Australia at the Samara Arena in Samara on June 21, 2018. EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP
7′ G O O O A A A A A A L – Denmark are now leading.
Christian Eriksen scored the goal while Nicolai Joergensen provided the assist.
6′ Australia’s Matthew Leckie has a great chance to score but sends his header wide of the goalpost.
It is goal-kick for Denmark.
1′ The referee starts the match. Denmark kick-off and the game is ongoing.
Australia coach Bert van Marwijk named an unchanged starting line-up for their crunch World Cup clash with Denmark on Thursday following their opening 2-1 defeat to France.
The Socceroos, who have made it into the last 16 only once, in 2006, need to beat the Danes to have any chance of repeating the feat.
Despite having several attacking options at his disposal, including veteran Tim Cahill and 19-year-old starlet Daniel Arzani, Van Marwijk has stuck with the same side that asked questions of France in the defeat in Kazan sealed by a late Aziz Behich own goal from a Paul Pogba strike.
Denmark opened their Group C campaign with a 1-0 win over Peru, in which Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel performed heroics before frontman Yussuf Poulsen hit the winner.
World Cup Live: Nigeria Defeat Iceland 2-0 To Boost Last 16 Hope
