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World Cup: Argentina survives vs. Nigeria, advances to round of 16

By TASS
Marcos Rojo (16) of Argentina celebrates with teammate Lionel Messi (top) after scoring the go-ahead goal to give Argentina a 2-1 lead during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group D preliminary round soccer match between Nigeria and Argentina on Tuesday in St. Petersburg, Russia. Photo by Anatoly Maltsev/EPA-EFE
Marcos Rojo (16) of Argentina celebrates with teammate Lionel Messi (top) after scoring the go-ahead goal to give Argentina a 2-1 lead during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group D preliminary round soccer match between Nigeria and Argentina on Tuesday in St. Petersburg, Russia. Photo by Anatoly Maltsev/EPA-EFE

June 26 (UPI) -- It looked bleak, but Argentina ultimately made it into the knockout stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup after edging Nigeria 2-1 in their final Group D match on Tuesday in St. Petersburg with a crowd of 64,468 watching on.

The opening goal and 100th score at this year's World Cup was tallied by Argentina's Lionel Messi in the 14th minute. Nigeria's Victor Moses leveled the score in the 49th minute. Ultimately, the winning goal was scored by Argentina's Marcos Rojo in the 86th minute.

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With their long-awaited first win at this year's World Cup and four total points, Argentina finished in second place in Group D.

Now, Argentina will face off against France, the top team in Group C, in the round of 16. The game will be played in Kazan, Russia, on June 30.

Nigeria was eliminated with three points.

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