World Cup: Argentina 1 Nigeria 0

Enyeama saved Nigeria from a real Mess with an outstanding display in goal.

We all wondered which Argentina Maradona would unleash, and perhaps we are still wondering.

After an early goal – scored by the only defender in a blue and white shirt – that featured marking that will have had Alan Hansen spinning in his grave, Argentina created a number of chances. That they didn’t take them isn’t that significant. The signs were good.

Nigeria had little answer to the Argentine movement, and that doesn’t bode well for their next match against South Korea, but they did have chances of their own.

Most of the punditry focused on Maradona’s choice of winger Jonas Gutierrez at right back, without realising that the team and system could change for future matches. Against Nigeria, the four centre back system we have seen previously would have been a luxury.

Then there was Messi. But for Enyeama, he would have scored a hattrick. Goals that world class players would be pleased to score a few times in their career are the same goals that Messi scores several times a season. Today he was denied two of those by top class saves.

Maradona is beginning to convince some of his critics, many of who focus on the number of players he has used, without often making the distinction between players called up and those who have played.

What is certain is that the players are behind him, and that is half the battle.

Argentina were impressive, but it is only a start. Nigeria’s fate will be decided in their next match.