나이지리아 vs 아이슬란드 2:0 골장면!!

Iceland made a statement in its first World Cup game ever, but now presented with a golden opportunity, it can make an even louder one.

After drawing Argentina, Iceland turns its attention to Nigeria in Volgograd, Russia, in a pivotal match for both sides and their knockout-stage aspirations. If Iceland can come up with a win, it will put itself in fine position to reach the knockout stage. The same goes for Nigeria, though it would still have work to do in its final match of group play against Argentina.

The two sides will consider the scenarios after their matchup, which pits the resolute-defending Iceland against a Nigeria side that didn't offer as much as it is capable of going forward in its group-opening loss to Croatia.

Iceland looked to strike early, and it nearly did through its superstar, Gylfi Sigurdsson. His long-range free kick was earmarked for the upper left-hand corner of the goal, but Nigeria's 19-year-old goalkeeper Francis Uzoho made an acrobatic save to keep it out in the third minute.

Sigurdsson had another clean look from 18 yards in the run of play, with Game 1 goalscorer Alfred Finnbogason playing him into space before he took aim at goal, only to hit it right at Uzoho in the sixth minute.

The first half unfolded with a dearth of chances on both sides, though Iceland tried to break through in audacious fashion. With the ball looping in his direction, Birkir Bjarnason swung his right foot through it for a powerful volley, but it was one that was overhit and sailed over the bar in the 33rd minute.

Iceland was always the team that looked most likely to score, and it came close again just before halftime. Sigurdsson's free kick met Finnbogason in front of the goal mouth, but he wasn't able to get a clear hit on it, and the ball trickle harmlessly by the far post.

Nigeria flipped the script and came out firing seconds into the second half, testing Game 1 hero Hannes Thor Halldorsson right off the bat through Oghenekaro Etebo, whose low shot was saved well by the goalkeeper.

Nigeria's pressure paid off soon after. On a clinical counter, Victor Moses got free down the right before sending in a cross. Ahmed Musa kicked high to settle the cross and volley it to himself before blasting a right-footed shot by Halldrosson to secure the 1-0 lead.