Argentina reach the last 16 of the World Cup

Argentina reach the last 16 of the World Cup.

We always knew that somebody would cry for Argentina had they left the World Cup in Russia. Argentina have always been an acquired taste for some while strongly dividing opinion with others. You either like what you get with Argentina or you simply wish they'd just get out of the room and never come back again. Then there are times when you just can't take your eyes off them so lovely and entrancing is their football.

Last night though the current Argentinian incarnation reached the last 16 of the World Cup with a performance which, while never entirely convincing, still stuck very closely to their well prepared script. Watching Argentina is rather like a tragic opera where all the leading protagonists invariably end up either killing each other or just leaving a trail of broken hearts behind them. Argentina love to leave you on tenterhooks, sitting on the edge of your seats with both well rehearsed excitement and drama.

With their last group match against Nigeria balanced ominously on the edge, the light blue and white flags and banners of Argentina were on their feet, screaming, singing, bawling, imploring, biting fingernails, waving for the cameras and then pleading for their country's winning goal. For a country who haven't won the World Cup since 1986 Argentina are almost bending over backwards to win it again knowing full well that their supporters somehow feel they have a divine right to hold on to that World Cup for eternity.

Then we looked up at the hospitality boxes and the VIP box and we saw a horrible caricature of a world class footballer. Diego Maradona, now very disturbingly and somewhat horrifically overweight, adopted some of the most peculiar poses and reactions football has ever seen. But for those who fondly remember his 1986 pomp when a much younger Maradona was an almost masterful influence on his team, his appearance at last night's game against Nigeria was a sobering reminder of what can happen when drugs and drink combine in a toxic cocktail of utter self destruction.

It was hard to believe that such a wondrous footballer could so recklessly allow both his face and  body to become some grotesque figure of fun. Frequently, Maradona would react in much the way you'd expect of a proud patriot. When Lionel Messi, his successor to the throne of genius, scored quite the most breathtaking of goals for Argentina, Maradona clenched his fists together, eyes closed in a state of silent ecstasy and then seemed to go off into a world of his own. It was both sad and pathetic, a graphic illustration of a once world class footballer whose sharp decline has now turned into what seems like a wasted talent.

Still, at least Maradona had something to cheer in this year's World Cup. When Lionel Messi quickly and smartly latched onto a gorgeously weighted through ball over the top of the Nigeria defence Argentina seemed to come alive. For their first two opening games Argentina were sleepwalking through games, sloppy, slovenly, bleary eyed, full of Latin soul and impulse but not quite up to the unreasonably high standards they've always set themselves. The bar has indeed been set so high that even Argentina have had to reach up on their toes to try to touch it.

But it was now that the gifted likes of Nicolas Otamendi, the evergreen Javier Mascherano, bleeding profusely from one eye after the match, Gabriel Mercado, Eduardo Salvio, Angel De Maria, formerly of Manchester United, Marcus Rojo and company finally came of age. Until this moment they've been hiding away in some dusty cupboard, afraid to show their true selves and almost overcome with self consciousness.

The Messi goal though, was perhaps that iconic moment in world football when one of the globe's greatest of all modern players executes the most perfect of movements. From a memorable lofted ball into his path, Messi, in one swift manoeuvre, swept the ball away from his defender. Anticipating the ball dropping invitingly over his shoulder, Messi moved his body gracefully away from his defender, chesting the ball down and then with almost delicate deliberation, following through with a shot that seemed to be deliberately steered away from the Nigeria keeper and into the net. It was a goal to treasure for many generations.

Then although Argentina continued to flick their passes between themselves almost self indulgently rather like counters on an old board game, something was missing, something indefinable. Their infatuation with their natural passing game was still in evidence but from time to time, the links were missing and the chain effect that has led to such a bumper crop of important goals and victories over the years had been loosened. The tango rhythms had gone and the sparkling momentum of their attacking movements didn't seem to be where it should have been.

During the second half with Chelsea's Victor Moses and  Wilfred Ndidi much more of a potent force for Nigeria, the game seemed to hover in a state of intriguing uncertainty. Nigeria looked as though they'd forced their way back into the game both constructively and powerfully but this proved to be a disappointing illusion. If they'd looked carefully enough they'd have realised that the light blue and white Argentina shirts were still in their wide rear view mirror.

After Victor Moses had gently stroked home the Nigerian's penalty for a richly deserved equaliser, Argentina were stung into action. It was as if somebody had hit them with a red hot poker. Suddenly their football began to re-assert itself, the sweet sensuality of that close passing game, the almost intimate ball control and the remarkable comfort on the ball seemed to return in a matter of minutes.

 Lionel Messi once again smuggled his way into the Nigerian penalty area, protecting the ball, nursing the ball, weaving, slipping and swaying before knitting together a whole succession of wall passes. It was out of this world and Messi knew it. Sometimes gifted sportsmen know exactly what they're doing even when others are still working out for themselves. Lionel Messi is that unique sportsman, an exhibitionist at times but a man whose abundant gifts elevate his sport to a different plateau.

With minutes to go and Argentina displaying all of the heroism and daring determination of men who looked as though they'd never get to the summit, they broke away once again. The passes were still precise, pristine and almost crystalline. But as the match approached its final stages you almost felt that the team who can still light up a match with their diamond encrusted touches and enlightening techniques, would in all likelihood hit the magic jackpot.

After a whirlwind production line of passes that stretched the length and breadth, Gabriel Mercado, galloping and willing to sacrifice everything, sped forward into space on the flank. Now was Argentina's moment to shine, to transform the mood of a nation with one run. Mercado, easing his way onto the ball, scampered up the touchline before driving in one final low cross. Then, improbably and inexplicably, Marcos Rojo, who'd enjoyed a successful season with Manchester United, raced into position and then volleyed home the most spectacular goal you're ever likely to see from a traditional centre half. Where on earth did that come from? But how welcome and timely was it.

Argentina, still haunted by the painful memories of Eva Peron, tyrannical dictators and the military junta, found themselves released from pain, suffering and history. For now is the time for Argentina to remember their footballing heritage, recall where they were and hold on dearly to the present. The past, for now at least, is indeed another country and even the greatness of another era can still be felt even now. But then we looked at Diego Maradona and wondered if perhaps a broken figure could be properly repaired.

It seems highly unlikely that the impish Lionel Messi will ever follow in Maradona's footsteps but as a nation celebrates a place in the knockout rounds of the Russia World Cup it may be a time for reflection and sensible judgments. It is hard though not to laugh at the new VAR system, regularly employed for the tournament. The sight of a referee trotting over to a small TV screen to determine either a legitimate penalty or not as be it the case, is  both hugely amusing and surreal at times.

Still we're all having loads of fun watching our excessively healthy diet of football from a deeply respectful distance. It's an undoubted privilege to watch the game as it should be played rather than the way others would perceive it. The Russians are having a ball, presumably Vladimir Putin is just having the time of his life and presumably the Kremlin has never been so popular a tourist attraction. For Argentina this could be the beginning of a journey to remember. Hopefully. The world awaits.