'Played the penalty with anger' - Ex-Nigeria striker on Messi knowing Argentina close to winning World Cup
Published: December 13, 2022
Former Super striker Julius Efosa Aghahowa Tuesday evening gave his verdict on the chances of Lionel Messi fulfilling his ambition of winning the World Cup following Argentina's semifinals win over Croatia.
La Albiceleste defeated the 2018 finalists 3-0 as they get close to lifting the title for the first time in 36 years when Diego Maradona captained the team to a triumph.
Aghahowa who played for Nigeria and scored a goal in the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan was on analysis duty for Brila FM.
"Messi didn't look back. He played the penalty with anger. He (Messi) realizes that having come close this far after a shaky start, they are close to winning it.
"It's been a World Cup of upsets and Argentina weren't ready to take any chances. Messi and the rest of the team grew into the tournament. We don't know how the final will be but it's looking good for them," Aghahowa stated
On Croatia conceding a first half penalty converted by Messi and how the Europeans ought to have reacted to the setback, Aghahowa had this to say.
"You don't blame anybody for causing penalties, you have to encourage each other to get an equaliser.
"That was a defensive blunder. Normally Croatia doesn't give you those opportunities but tonight, Messi and Co were just too good for them," the onetime Shakhtar Donetsk and Wigan Athletic striker concluded.
Argentina will face the winner of the France versus Morocco game on Wednesday night for the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Izuchukwu Michael
Photo Credit : fifa.com
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri reveals exactly why Osimhen did not start 4-2 defeat to Real Madrid
- 'He has clearly shown that he is of value' - Ajax coach satisfied with performance of Akpom
- Babayaro's Nigerian record is safe: 16yo midfielder Nwaneri named in Arsenal's matchday squad v Lens
- Official: Nigeria-eligible winger signs new long-term contract with Brentford
- Gianfranco Zola insists Osimhen would be perfect for Real Madrid amid Napoli striker's links with Chelsea
- The truth about Hull City's links with Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
- Why Super Eagles left-back Jamilu Collins was omitted from Cardiff City's gameday squad v West Brom
- 'Nothing strange' - Peter Rufai expects Super Eagles to correct their flaws ahead of resumption of WCQ
- Richard Olise, once touted as 'Reece James heir', returns to action for Chelsea after more than 21 months out
- APOEL Nicosia chief scout in Lagos for 20-team scouting programme


- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football