LAGERBACK: NOW, BRING ON ARGENTINA. Eagles Coach Happy With Team’s Rapid Improvement
- Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 6:58
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FOOTBALL:
Super Eagles coach, Lars Lagerback has shot an optimistic look at the chances of his team in their 2010 World Cup opener against Argentina on Saturday after they wrapped up a series of tune up games last Sunday with a 3-1 win over North Korea.
The Swede-born tactician believes his team have started gelling and ready to take on Argentina .
“What the players have done in this last week is great. They’ve improved all the time and worked very hard.
“In general, it was a good game (against North Korea). The players are working hard and performing and now we can focus on this week’s game against Argentina, and we’re looking forward to this,” Lagerback stated confidently.
The man who guided his native Sweden to two World Cup finals in 1998 and 2002 (where his team defeated Nigeria 2-1) declared in an interview with Complete Sports that he already has an idea of his starting eleven versus Maradona’s men, a pointer to the fact that the Eagles’ building process ahead of the World Cup has rapidly paid dividends.
Lagerback maintained that his team will have no weather problems in South Africa and also allayed fears that the team could suffer from injuries due to its friendlies close to the start of the World Cup.
“We’re very fine here. We’ve got no problem at all. We looked into the factors before we chose Richards Bay as our Base Camp. The travelling from the airport to our hotel is just about two minutes drive and it’s the same to our training pitch.
“Yes, training at altitude gives you little advantage, physiologically. But from my experience in this job, this is often not a very big advantage in terms of the final result as most people would want us to believe.
So I prefer to train my team in good environment which would give us psychological advantage”.
“Its always a risk, playing friendly matches or training very hard so close to big finals like the World Cup. But it’s one risk which you must take. The only thing is you must be careful and hope for luck against injuries. But you can’t say because you don’t want the players to get injured, so you won’t play or train. So how do you keep them in shape for the finals,” Lagerback, who revealed that fans of Swedish origin will be rooting for the Super Eagles added.
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The match btw nigeria and argentina is 50-50 both team hv a chance. So let hope for the mother luck
Argentina may have a better squad on paper but Nigeria has a better and more experienced coach in reality. Lars has been to world cup finals twice but Diago Maradona is just a green horn. History has it that Argentina has beaten Nigerian in 1994, 2002 world cup finals. They are recorded victory over us in 2005 u.20 world cup finals in Holland plus the recent Olumpics victory. These four records remained a boost to their confidence to win again.
Papilo and his team mates should try to defy these records by defeating Argentina this time.
If our players can put in all their best and maintain a disciplined defence line, i see them overcoming the argentines.Remember it wasn’t easy for the argentines during their qualifying series.We have a score to settle.Wishing the SE all the best.
Whether we beat argentina or not, Nigeria will qualify from that group.Go SE go!!!
Go super eagles, you can do it , you can surprise the world with the Nigerian spirit. never say never. this is our chanceeeeeeeee!
I still believe in SE, they have opportunity to defeat agentine if they work on their defence… SE all the best
Good talks here today,i like the spirit here, oh our SE will not let us down. go eagle go
and beside this year is the year of us (Africans) We are going to support any African country to win this elusive W/C this year.
i am confident that nigeria will spring a surprise at the world cup. remember what happened between nigeria and spain at france 98? SE will definitely fly past argentina on june 12.
TILL I DIE I WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT MY SUPER EAGLES, SO PLEASE MY SUPER EAGLES DO NOT DISGRACE ME COME SATURDAY BECAUSE I KNOW YOU HAVE SO MANY ENEMIES AROUND, IN JESUS NAME THEY WILL BE PUT TO SHAME ON SATURDAY, NIGERIA 1 – ARGENTINA 0. BEST OF LUCK MY SUPER EAGLES.
I am confident in the boys out there for the world cup. They are equal to the task, i wish the super eagle best of luck in south africa.
Super Eagles can do well at the mundial if they learn from past mistakes and they play with commitment,defeating the Argentines is very possible knowing that football is not Mathematics
I am confident that Nigeria will qualify from that group and they are going to beat Argentina. What happened in France 98 when Nigeria defeated Spain is going to repeat itself. We are going to defeat Argentina.
well according to my own view ,the super eagle of Nigeria has to confused me on the picth that they can do it,bcos since 1994 they have done nothing.in all foot ball categories they are most dissapoited,compare to golden eaglect,fly eagle,even the falcons,they keep on breaking our heart,the NFA/NFF are the bigger problem,pls Mr president Goodluck Jonathan let the right people manage our sport.
Hopefully, these positive comments will continue irrespective of d result against Argentina. We know an average Nigerian player can stand his ground anywhere. Our non participation in d last world cup did not help our players. I’m sure things will change after dis tournament. Apam and Taiwo are already being sought after. In d meantime, UP EAGLES, UP NIGERIA.
I dont have any thing to say on this match until i watch the first half of this game
i trust our players they are going to do us prioud
GOODDDDDD, I SEE 2:1 AGAINST ARG….
I EQUALLY SEE NIGERIA QUALIFIED FOR SEMI FINAL and win …..
I think it is time to sit back and watch our eagles to show us the quality they are made of and I prediate 50-50 for this game
I want to disagree with those fearing that Argentina will beat Nigeria, some of us are under-estimating the Supper eagles, I am optimistic that, Come June 12, Nigeria will beat Argentina 1-0 . with the superlative performance they put against the N.Korea on Sunday, Argentina is going to get the surprise of their life. come June 12. Up Eagles
we are only trying to console our self, always giving hopes that are not realistic.let me ask this few questions how many of our players do we have in first 11 in there verious clubs? what is the level of confidence on our weak attackers do we have a vibrant defenders? there are so many questions that should come to mind b/4 we can confidently boast of playing against the likes of milito,kun aguero,tevex,higuain and the master messi.as far as am concern nigerians should only count on gods intervention. esse
since 2006 when okocha the great captain left the team , i ve not watch our team getting victory in their first match in any competition.maybe we will still qualify to the next round by winning greece and s korea, which is not certain. but the match on june 12 pls forget it. my fellow nigerian i am saying this because i don,t want anybody to suffer from haertattack or cardiac arrest on that day.long live nigeria and God bless those that stand for the truth.
What happened in Atlanta 1996 is what is goin to happen to the argentines. Up super eagles cos we are with u guys.
We are not afraid of any one, who believed that Morinho will carry the UEFA Chanpions League trophy. So Nigeria vs Argentine = Inter Vs Barca. So Haruna be ur own man and make name for urself, and am confident that KANU will frighten them. Go oooooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
We are not afraid of any one, who believed that Morinho will carry the UEFA Chanpions League trophy. So Nigeria vs Argentine = Inter Vs Barca. So Haruna be ur own man and make name for urself, and am confident that KANU will frighten them, so go oooooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn our supppppppppppper eagles and conquer the the argentines
You don’t judge a book by its cover. see let me tell u all, Nigeria is goin to beat Argentines. who believed that David could ever kill Golliath so I can hear what a lot of people are sayin.
But let me assure u. Nigeria is the David while the Argentines will be the Golliath. What and see.
Meanwhile Up Eagggggggggggggggggggggllllllllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeees
You dont judge a book by its cover. see let me tell u all, Nigeria is goin to beat Argentines. who believed that David could ever kill Golliath so I can hear what a lot of people are sayin.
But let me assure u. Nigeria is the David while the Argentines will be the Golliath. What and see.
Meanwhile Up Eagggggggggggggggggggggllllllllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeeees
Even with the presence of Lionel Messi and other so-called stars in the Argentine squad, I strongly believe, without any doubt, that our dear Super Eagle will do us proud and beat Argentina 2-1, come Saturday, June 12.
Nigeria will beat Argentina………………………………………………………….
at times i wonder why we nigerian are so blind to the truth, that when we ses it clearly we don,t want to accept it.well thats even the reason why our old politician are able to fool us easily.pls can someone tell me the total of goals each attacker player of the nigeria team score for his team this season and the total each argentine attacker score for club this season. well the difference is clear like a crystal ball
I am happy that our SE eagles are improving everyday, welldone LAGERBACK!!! We will go int o the game with a positive mentality and a winning spirit.
Nigeria is going to surprise the world because Nigeria performs when they are least expected.A lot of counties are not giving Nigeria a chance to do well in this competition base on our performance at the nations cup.But a team that came third at a Continental competition really tried.What Nigerian need to do is to work on their set piece.Improve on their defence and try short from out-side the eighteen yard box.
THE DATE OF OUR MATCH AGAINST ARGENTINA IS A REMARKABLE DATE IN THE HISTORY OF POLITICS IN THIS GREAT NATION,SUPER EAGLES SHOULD TURN THE DATE (JUNE 12) TO A REJOICING DATE BY BEATING ARGENTINA.
i v always beliv in d SE, so i dont hv any doubt dt we ll beat our oponent
Eagles ar gono fly high^^^ here comes saturday…..am very optmistic that we ar gono win Argentina..upon their star players.. they still have a lickage in their couching crue!!!!
As a nigerian, i just wish the SE the best of luck, but not believing that they will beat argentina. for crying out loud, this is argentina not Uganda, kenya or even benin republic, we are playing the team that has players that won the laliga, seria a, uefa cup, the champions league and the world footballer of the year is one of them, they also have the ex-world footballer of the year as their coach. Let me remind you guys that the argentine team had beaten the nigerian team in all their meeting at the world cup when they were not having the calibre of players they have now, and the Super eagles had strong team in past than now, so forget all these talk from CS, coach largerback didn’t say anything about argentina, it was the complete sport that said it on behalf of our coach. The CS are misinforming us, they said that coach largerback took sweden to 1998 and 2002 world cup, but you and i know that the swedish team didn’t go to 1998 world cup in france. i just the wish super eagles the best of luck and advice people to keep quite and pray for nigeria team.
Guys, I like your positive attitudes and faith towards the team. I promise, we are not going to disappoint you guys. Just keep the momentum going with your supports.
I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
either you belief it or not,Nigeria is winning the world cup
A BUNCH OF SHEEP LED BY A LION WILL ACCOMPLISH MORE THAN A PRIDE OF LION LED BY A SHEEP!!
@Olayode, those that will win the world cup has not started talking, so, relax and pray for nigeria and leave the rest for God. Up nigeria.
My fellow Nigerian, lets not make too much noise, let us believe and pray to God almighty to deliver us from the lion’s den and from king Nebuchadnezzar lake of fire. we should pray hard that before we get there, Jesus Christ will be there waiting to rescue us (super eagles).
OK, Saturday is already at hand. We shall see, but what I know in sports is that coaches always tell us what we will like to hear and not exactly what the situation is.
Super Eagles Let Go There Omo Akin
Kin sojo, That is to say Victory is Mine
FATHER GOD I ASK THAT YOU LAY YOUR HANDS ON
Super Eagles; LET THEM KNOW THAT THROUGH YOU ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. AMEN!!!!!!!!!
The money is there, the fighter is waiting, the fans are waiting…
If one goes into a match or a tournament without d belief they can beat any team, then they don’t deserve to be there. As fans of d national team, it is our duty to give our team d best support we can, especially now dat even d blind can c how serious d team is been prepared by d coach. No matter d result (though I expect victory), I’ll continue 2 support d team a 100%.
MY PEOPLE, LETS GET BEHIND THE EAGLES AND LETS PUT THE POWER OF NAIJA TO GOOD USE. i strongly have this feeling that the eagles will soar in sa, even in my office everyone think m crazy that the team is nothing to write home about, i just believe.
i like the underdog nor written off status of the eagles, dats the tonic i think we need. it is time to get all critics and bookmakers wrong that in naija, we can do the extraordinary with the naija spirit.
i believe. do u believe my people?
defence is still the problem
with God evething is posible i biliv super eagle will cross d argies hurdle
l really appreciate everyone comment concerning the Super Eagle of Nigeria …..Well to my own point of View…..Everything in life lied on what Known as (Faith OR Believed) That where i am going to, What you believe we surely be …..But as i am concern i always wish myself ,everything belong to me or related to me and everything around me well that is the best way forward …l love Nigeria as Country …So i wish Super Eagle & the whole citizen Best of Luck.. Let be Encouraging then Discouraging …..That is my point of View to way forward ….Be United .One love …one Nation
Prayer is the key.
In Soccer nothing is impossible. It does not matter how reputable are the players, but the ability of a team to utilize their chances at a given time. I wish the Super Eagles could utilize any available opprtunity come June 12. Good luck to Super Eagle
i wish NIGERIA SUPER EAGLES all the best.Nigeria will beat Argentina.that i an sur off.UP Eagles
The Die is cast at 10.00am Eastern Time June 12
Super EAGLES will soar high.Good Luck Nigeria (That is the President’s Name)
yes we can,yes we can ,can you believed that obama will be american president today.so let me
till you if you like it or not super eagle will get their three point on june 12.
IF INTER CAN BEAT BARCA; NIGERIA CAN BEAT ARGENTINA: IT IS POSSIBLE:
GO ON SUPER EAGLES:
Mr Mark, mark my words. Nigeria is nt inter millan and Lagerback is not Mr special. let face the reality and save millions of Nigerians from heart attack. In a world of football, sentiments does not win match. we have to be realistic on this issue. I believed we shall be praying for a draw and pray against a scandalous loss that may down the moral of the players. Individually, our opponent are millions miles ahead of us not talk of competence and other prequisitives which r necessary in winning a game of this magnititude. Lets stop fooling our self and prepare for the worst. if at the end we win, then we shall thank mother luck. and if we fail, we will have our mind prepared for it. may God be on our side.
Finally on the 12th at 18:00 thousands of Nigerian football fans were disappointed as .
Nigeria vs Argentina end’s 1 3
The worst part of it is that people worry themselves to headache for the things that doesn’t even concern or profit them neither will it change any thing in there FANNY LIFE.
those who think nigeria will not win are people who are non achievers. 11 players against 11players
up super eagles victory os ours
For you guys in support of Eagles, Keep the spirit going. don’t be surprised. these guys are reading what we are writing on this forum. Even Lagerback our coach is also in the threaded discussion. As for poeple like shariff aminu ahlan, Chike Saintmags(germany), and Mr rexfranklin. there is no need for you guys to be part of this forum. you are disgrace to our country. I hope you will still be here after the match. till then
All of a sudden many people has forgotten his and her life challenges especially if you live in Nigeria. Now every body’ s hope, ambition, plan, future, and success in life, is Nigeria vs Argentina, world cup , world cup, would cup, Super eagles here and there.
Even if Nigeria win Argentina buy 9 0 ; That will not change the situation in your life! You will still have to work hard to survive in Nigeria, you will still have to live in the same House.
Hey! bro when are you going to make something out of your own life. Think on what you( YOU) can do to shine, please help You, help your family, Help the world your are living in
When Germany, France, Spain, Holland, Italy and England are fighting to winning the World cup. Nigeria should fight against unemployments , corruption , poverty, illiteracy, injustice, bad or no roads no water , no electricity , low health care facilities to name but a few. The country continues to languish close to the bottom of the Human Development Index, with 54% of its population surviving on less than the international guideline for extreme poverty of $1 a day. Even by the government’s own benchmark which yields a lower figure of 35%, prospects for achieving the target of 21% for extreme poverty by 2015 appear unpromising.
Please help your self stop killing your brains with Nigeria vs Argentina June 12 will come and go but you will stay and enjoy how you have spent your time and brain on the things that does not really matter.
I pray that your mind and understanding will be open to see well.
Pls! dont let us downgrade our father and mother land no matter what happen to us’ that is the one of the reason why white men say ”that” black man with a black sence coz will dont believe in ourself. all the past history between Nig Vs Angen is a tight win . So!!!!! let motivate and encourage our players by saying that they can do it , it’s 50-50 , man 2 man , go and win all the games coz gud citizen of Nigeria will think possitive to our players so that they can be bold and confident when playing any team.
COMPLETE SPORTS PLEASE,PLEASE!!,PLEASE!!! I AM IN DIRE NEED OF SOME INFORMATION AS REGARDS OUR OGBUH-LED FLYING EAGLES THAT RECENTLY WON TWO DIFFERENT INVITAION TOURNEYS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND EGYPT.I HAVE READ IN MANY DAILIES THAT THE TOURNAMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA SAW NIGERIA PLAY AGAINST GHANA AND BRAZIL,BUT NO PAPER (FROM THE LOT I RREAD) COULD GIVE SCORES OF THESE MATCHES OR EVEN A SUMMARY OF THE GAMES.I HAVE A KEEN INTEREST IN THAT TEAM AND I BELIEVE MANY FOOTBALL-LOVING NIGERIANS HAVE TOO.SO PLEASE FIND OUT THE SCORES FOR THE MATCHES OUR FLYING EAGLES PLAYED, ESPECIALLY THE ONE IN SOUTH-AFRICA.
MANY THANKS
It has always been like this with Nigerians every four (4) years, NIgerians are so Pessimistic whenever we are going to a big event/competition like this. When are we going to stop this negative behaviours and support our own. The surprising thing to me is the comments of our so call ex-internaional; not a single one of them has said or given any word of encouragement to the SUPER EAGLES. The most dissapointing to me is Samson Siasia whom I love so much and rated so high as an indiginous coache; inspite of his total failure at Egypt 2009 Under 20 World Cup, he could still run down the SC. I am praying fervently for my SUPER EAGLES. The worst Nigeria will get against Argentina is a draw. God continue to bless Nigeria
Prophet of doom, it’s you and your family that would be beaten by Argentina. for me and my family we stand for and behind NIGERIA all the days of our lives whether beaten or shattered or battered. up NAIJA for life. God shall continue to bless this country whether we like it or not. shalom!
I know Super Eagles will shine and naija will be proud of them after this world cup
COME JUNE 12/2010. NIGERIA WILL BEAT ARGENTINA 3 GOAL TO 2.
MR GREEN IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY
I don’t think Lagerback should be so confident considering the fact that he hasn’t wiped out the Nigerian mentality of slowing down the pace of a game or going to sleep after scoring a goal. We are going to pay with our skin if we try the latter against the Argies, except we play a 5-4-1 formation, with Taiwo and Ordiah at the wings of the defence for easy counter attack. How I wish we had Mikel… A Haruna-and-Mikel combination in the mid-field would have been the bomb!
Ilove the boys
Some thing is telling me that Nigeria will Beat Argentina, 2-1 remeber the match between Senegal and France. In evey world Cup there is always game in at shape.
why is it that people forget so easily. This so call Argentines parade plays better than Nigeria team in atlanta 1996 but we won them. Football is not mathematics its all abt what u can do. yes we can………………………………………………………………………………………………
nigeria se will get a draw if they are serious on the pitch. but will be disgraced if they think they wil
win the matches on papers. so let ‘s hope they will get a draw there………
naija can beat arg even win the trophy only if they work as a team and individual support like fasting and prayer
Naija will win this march. We can tell from the confidence of the coach and the improvement of the team. Let’s just give the boys the support they need.
The game ahead represents a final in its on right.Even though a tornament opener.Matches do not come bigger,hence anxaiety.The eagles are professionals froms best rated clubs. They all play in top leagues.Coached by the best in the game.They must now appreciate what FIFA has done to stage world cup finals in Africa.They have never play the Argentines in Africa before.It is the Argentines that should fear them.The world cup has always produced star players,more over it is 11 professionals against 11 professionals.. I believe the boys will do well in this world cup.The coach is world class,astitute.The boys are generally expected to rise up to the occassion .Remeber eagles live on the throne .May the spirit of the throne abide by you as you become successful in all your games Amen.
well sometimes football is not about history.but.it is about surprises and performance dat is what we expect the SE to deliver to the world.the argetins no doubt re good and ve good caliba of players, but this WORLD CUP and anything can happen.i hope the SE can make the diffrence and make the NATION proud.uppppppppppppppppppppppppp eagles and fly high.victory shall be ours in jesus name…………….AMEN
football = the wise play in the filed the fools or fans watch and forget their ambitions in life.
sorry!
My team is going to win the world cup not only wininng Argentines,Notting that my God can not do.God is still saying something Amen.
If God is a football fan, I wounder which player he like most, may be Obi Mikel,Michael Ballack , Michael Essien, Rio Ferdinand, Didier Drogba, Arjen Robben, Ronaldinho.Ike uche, victor anichebe.
GOD IS NOT A FOOTBALL FAN AND HE WILL NEVER BE!
“If Maradona decides to go all out and attack Nigeria, I am sure the Eagles will shock him. Maybe people have not really examined Nigeria‘s strength in the recent times. In the past we scored lots of goals and that was when our strength was in the attack. But now, our defence is stronger.
i see so many Nigerians underrate the SUPER EAGLES well it’s life but i want you all to know that the Argentine are human being like the Eagles and there are not ghost so i don’t see any reason why we should be Afraid of them at all,but this is my world for Mr Lars Lagerback and is team even do we walk through the vile of shadows we shall fail no evil,for he that is in us is greater than he that is on earth.the score line on Saturday with NIGERIA -Argentina is (2 – 0) against the Argentine one from osaze the other one from martins COMMON SUPER COMMON EAGLES don’t be Afraid of any one okay boun them joooo
Nigeria u are goin to win this world cup 2010 without no stress, goooooooooooooo and prove to the world u ave no fear………
Up Nigeia, Up eagles. Nigeria is winning ARGENTINA. Its very certain coz winning nah our culture
the culture of nigeria is african culture and the world cup is playing on african soil so argentine should search for their three point somewhere but not agains nigerian SE.
With good one spirit in the team, total commitment and full fitness i see Super Eagles wining by a lone goal. UP SUPER EAGLES ! UP NIGERIA!
I just wonder what many people shall say they found that the Super Eagles of Nigeria defeats the almighty Argentina. Just pray for the team if you are a genuine patriot.
Come 2moro..there isn’t going to be a pressure on SE,the pressure is going to be on Argentines being among the favourites to win this mundial,football of today is not about star studded team but a team with great team work,tactics,composure,strenght,technics etc will surely fly in RSA & there is going to be alot of surprises.
LETS US BELIEVE, I BELIEVE IN THE NAIJA SPIRIT,THAT IS WHAT IS KEEPING US TOGETHER AS A NATION, EVEN IN THE MIDST OF THE ECONOMIC PROBLEMS, WE ARE STILL NAIJA, SO WE SHOULD BE PROUD OF OUR COUNTRY.
THIS MATCH WILL PUT A SMILE ON MANY NIGERIANS WHEN WE WIN, EVEN IF OUR LEADERSHIP ARENT UP TO THE TASK, WE STILL SURVIVE. LETS US BELIEVE, ITS THE POWER OF NAIJA. ARGENTINA MUST FALL, EVEN THOUGH PREPARATION WAS SHODDY, THE NAIJA SPIRIT NEVER TAKES THE BACK SEAT NOR FAILS! LETS GO NAIJA AND WIN IT! LETS BELIEVE IN OURSELVES THAT WE CAN DO IT!
I belief so much that Argentina will fall 2 Super Eagle 2morow 1-0 in favor of Nigeria.
Argentina will never stop Nigeria for the 2nd round of this world cup.
Please fans don’t expect too much today, as we do what we have to do , But Win or no win
i will have $1.8 million. Then $350,000 (about 52.5 million Naira) a month.
Nigeria has bigger and more important Need than winning football matches.
NIGERIA CAN NOT AND WILL NOT BEAT ARGENTINA .
NIGERIA 1 WITH ONE RED CARD , 3 YELLOW CARDS
ARGENTINA 4.
I AM A NIGERIAN AND I KNOW SUPER EAGLES FEARS.
I know lars know what he is doing……….Argentina may have the quality players but they don’t have the team understanding compare to their individual club i wish my mother land super eagles all the super winnings….
TODAY NA TODAY agentina go see watin SUPER 9GER EAGLE go show them
I know and I am sure that super EAGLE will win the match
We shld just pray 4 dis boys 2 put in their best and leave d rest 4 God.GOD bless Nigeria.
Is true that i trust the squad but lets still pray for them cos of the people their going to meet today,i wish them good luck, they will make it for us.