Rojo strikes late as Argentina pip Nigeria to second place in Group D

Marcus Rojo's sensational late volley set up a World Cup last 16 clash between Argentina and France in Kazan on Saturday.

For the second night in succession, there was late goal drama that altered the course of the knockout stages as Argetina squeezed in behind group winners Croatia on head-to-head record.

Manchester United defender Rojo hit the net with a spectacular volley three minutes from time after Victor Moses' penalty had cancelled out Lionel Messi's first-half opener.

The Super Eagles needed just a draw to progress as runners-up and looked on course to do that despite a sublime goal from captain Messi giving Argentina an early lead.

Referee Cuneyt Cakir – who officiated Ireland's 3-0 defeat to Belgium at Euro 2016 – consulted VAR before awarded Nigeria a penalty for a foul by Javier Mascherano just after the break.44

Moses converted, and substitute Odion Ighalo hit the bar as Argentina's chances of bettering their final appearance in the last World Cup looked to have dimmed before Rojo struck.

In the other game in Rostov-on-Don, Croatia made it a maximum nine points from nine with a 2-1 victory over Iceland.

Iceland, who drew with Argentina on the opening day, fell behind to an early Milan Badlj goal. Gylfi Sigurdsson levelled from the spot before Ivan Perisic won it for Croatia in the last minute.

Argentina face France on Saturday afternoon in Kazan (kick-off 3pm Irish time), while Croatia face Denmark in Nizhny Novograd on Sunday evening (kick-off 7pm Irish time)