Eagles flutter into knockout stage

Group F, Yesterday Nigeria 2-3 Argentina Bosnia 3-1 Iran Group E Ecuador 0-0 France Hondurus 0-3 Switzerland LIONEL MESSI continued his personal quest to be the star of a World Cup as his brace helped Argentina beat Nigeria 3-2 - but both sides still qualified for the last 16. The Barcelona forward lashed a rebound high into the net on three minutes before notching his fourth goal in three matches with a wonderful free kick as La Albiceleste maintained their 100 per cent record. Nigeria, who has also qualified for the knockout stage for the first time since 1998 thanks to Iran’s defeat, had pulled level within seconds of Messi’s opener when Ahmed Musa cut in from the left and curled a delightful effort into the far corner. And the CSKA Moscow forward was at it again just a few moments after the break when he glided onto a clever through pass and coolly steered into the corner. But Argentina weren’t to be denied and ensured top spot by immediately restoring their lead when Marcos Rojo diverted a left-wing corner in off his knee. Nigeria has lost all four World Cup meetings with Argentina. Messi is the second Argentinean to score in all 3 (first phase) group matches after Orestes Omar Corbatta in 1958. Lionel Messi joins Colombia’s James Rodríguez as only players to score in all three group matches at this World Cup Joseph Yobo earned his 100th international cap and became the first Nigerian to achieve the feat. The Super Eagles conceded a World Cup goal for the first time since South Korea’s Park Chu-Young scored against them in 2010. Argentina has won 12 of their last 15 World Cup group games. They have won five of six World Cup games against African opposition. Their only defeat was their first match in that sequence, a 1-0 loss to Cameron in 1990. In another group match, Bosnia beat Iran 3-1 in Salvador to record their first World Cup win and deny the West Asians any chance of reaching the knockout stage. France tops Group E France took top spot in World Cup Group E while 10-man Ecuador were eliminated after a sprightly 0-0 draw at the Maracana stadium on Wednesday. Switzerland, who beat Honduras 3-0, took second spot and will play Argentina in the last 16 while the French will face Nigeria. Ecuador, who had to play most of the second half with 10 men after Antonio Valencias dismissal in the 50th minute, became the only one of the six South American sides not to progress. France topped the group with seven points while Switzerland finished on six, Ecuador ended with four and Honduras none. With little pressure on France, who were all but assured of a place in the second round, coach Didier Deschamps made six changes to his starting line-up. Ecuador knew they needed a victory to have any hope of progressing but they struggled to create many opportunities. A relaxed-looking France team had the better of the early exchanges, but it was not until the 38th minute that they truly threatened when Ecuador keeper Alexander Dominguez tipped over a powerful header from Paul Pogba. Ecuadors only first half opportunity came when Michael Arroyo burst down the left flank and Enner Valencia met his cross with a downward header which was blocked by the feet of France keeper Hugo Lloris. France almost broke the deadlock shortly after the interval when Bacary Sagna crossed from the right and Antoine Griezmanns volley bounced off Dominguez on to the post. Ecuadors hopes suffered a major blow, though, moments later when Antonio Valencia was sent off for a challenge on Lucas Digne which left the France left back needing treatment. However, the decision brought Ecuador to life and they should have had the lead when Cristian Noboa was put through by Enner Valencia but lost his balance and screwed a shot wide. Pogba missed a great chance for France in the 73rd minute when, unmarked at the back post, he headed wide. With Switzerland beating Honduras, Ecuador knew a draw was not enough and substitute Alex Ibarra forced a good save out of Lloris in the 82nd while Karim Benzema went close for France.

Sports

Eagles flutter into knockout stage