Braeburn's World Cup Blog - Day 14 - The Beautiful Game.

After the carnage and barbarism of the previous night, this was excitement on a pure footballing level. Before the game, we wondered between ourselves whether Lionel Messi could do it? Would he turn up in a World Cup game when Argentina needed him most? In the studio, Gary Lineker and the team discussed ‘his legacy’ like barfly cockneys after the 2012 Olympic Games. ’Can you be remembered as great if you have never done it at the World Cup?’ ’Does Messi need to win a major tournament to achieve greatness?’ For the rest of the world the answer is obvious, however, in Argentina the issue is more complicated.

Lionel Messi get's the weight off after scoring a phenomenal goal.

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That Messi has played his entire career under the ever-increasing shadow of Diego Maradona and still achieved so much success is a minor miracle. It seems that the hero of 1986 attends every game Argentina play, a noisy and omnipresent comparison. ’Maradona was able to drag an organised if unspectacular team to glory in Mexico, why can Messi not do the same?’

Football, of course, is not that simple, just because one really wants something to happen does not mean that it will. I want Southampton to win the Champions League. I want Jose Mourinho to admit, just once, that his team were beaten by a better opponent. I want England to win the World Cup again before I shuffle off this green-blue planet. All is possible, of course, however unlikely.

Possibly the least dignified dignitary of all time?

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Last night though, Messi had a magical moment. His goal in the 14th minute was not crucial just because it put Argentina ahead in a must win (and-keep-fingers-crossed) final group game, it was also a perfectly crafted thing of beauty. The pass was decent enough, but what followed was pure Barcelona Messi, the troubles and pressure suddenly evaporated as instinct took over. One subline touch on the thigh brings the ball down. Then, before the ball hits the ground, a second touch sets him on course for goal. A moment later he guides a firm accurate strike, with his weaker right foot, beyond the keeper and into the net. It was a goal that you can show non-football believers as an example of exactly why this is the greatest sport on earth. You could see the strain lifting from Messi’s shoulders, my friend turned to me and simply said, ’weight-off’.

Not that Argentina had it all their own way. Nigeria were much better after the break and equalised through a Victor Moses penalty. The game ebbed and flowed, Iceland and Croatia were level in the other match, these were uncomfortable moments for Messi and co. The winner finally came in the 86th minute, Marcus Rojo smashing a volley into the bottom corner to break African hearts. Moments later Croatia went back in front against Iceland and the group was decided. It had not been simple but how you qualify doesn't really matter. The win for Argentina sets up a last-sixteen game with France and with the little man in form you wouldn't bet against them.

Marcus Rojo got the winner to keep the dream alive, guess who was first there to celebrate?

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Today, groups E and F will play to a completion. Of the eight teams involved nobody is absolutely certain of qualification and only Costa Rica are sure to be going home. Group F gets to go first and it is hard to know which of the 3pm kick-offs to watch. Germany will surely beat South Korea and that means that Sweden must go for a big win against Mexico to have any chance of qualifying. In Group E the stand out fixture is Serbia versus Brazil. A point for the South Americans will guarantee progress but Serbia are no mugs and will surely give a good account of themselves.

For today's tips in the SBC League head HERE