Nov 18, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Bosnia and Herzegovina midfielder Sead Kolasinac (5) and Argentina midfielder Marcos Rojo (8) battle for the ball during the second half at Busch Stadium. Argentina won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The match between Argentina and Iran seemed set to finish deadlocked in a scoreless draw. For 92 minutes the Iranian team, back in the World Cup after not qualifying in 2010, frustrated La Albiceleste. Iran looked dangerous at times when attacking on the counter but were quick in getting men back behind the ball.
Argentina was also to blame, wasting many of the few chances they were given, most notably on their set pieces. Li0nel Messi had some decent attempts saved or sent just wide, as did Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero. The Argentinians looked dangerous, but couldn’t quite break down the resolute Iranian defense. Carlos Querioz’s men seemed intent on spoiling the Argentina party, as a win for Argentina would see them through to the knockout stages while a draw would leave everything to play for on the final day of group matches.
However when one of the best players in the world is on the pitch, the game can never be considered over until that whistle blows, and Messi stepped up when his nation needed him the most. In the stoppage time, the Argentine forward received the ball unmarked just outside the 18 yard box, put the ball onto his magical left foot and fired a rocket past the Iranian keeper and into the top left corner of the net, a dagger through Iranian hearts.
With the win Argentina are now guaranteed a spot in the final 16 of this years World Cup.
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