WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : TODAY’S GAMES AT A GLANCE
GROUP D
at Foxboro Stadium, Foxboro, Mass.
Argentina vs. Nigeria
* TIME: 1 p.m. PDT.
* TV: ABC, Univision.
* KEY MATCHUPS: One of the more intriguing pairings in Round 1, pitting venerable World Cup warriors against an emerging soccer nation. Argentina has won two World Cups and reached the final on two other occasions, most recently four years ago. This is Nigeria’s first World Cup. For openers, Argentina crushed Greece, 4-0, and the Super Eagles handled Bulgaria with ease, 3-0. It will be interesting to see how the Nigerians defend the Argentine stars, notably Diego Maradona, Claudio Caniggia and Gabriel Batistuta. Batistuta scored three times against Greece, Maradona once. Nigeria has an excellent defender in Uche Okechukwu, who took Bulgarian star Hristo Stoichkov out of the game.
* OUTLOOK: In one game, Argentina has done much to repair its image as a World Cup dinosaur in need of an overhaul. In one game, Maradona has dispelled notions is finished. Conversely, Nigeria has proved it is worthy of considerable pre-tournament hype. Both should emerge from the group and be factors in the knockout round.
* OUTCOME: This is the classic youth-vs.- experience matchup. Experience usually wins. Greek players were awe-struck in the presence of their Argentine heroes. Nigeria has much more talent than Greece but might also be overcome by the moment. Argentina wins, 3-2.
