World Cup: Lionel Messi magic denies Iran a share of the spoils

Paul Gittings, CNN
3 minute read
Updated 8:05 PM EDT, Sat June 21, 2014
Nigeria midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, left, and forward Peter Odemwingie celebrate their win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in a World Cup match at Pantanal Arena in Cuiaba, Brazil, on Saturday, June 21. Nigeria won 1-0 and Bosnia was eliminated.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Nigeria midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, left, and forward Peter Odemwingie celebrate their win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in a World Cup match at Pantanal Arena in Cuiaba, Brazil, on Saturday, June 21. Nigeria won 1-0 and Bosnia was eliminated.
JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
The body language says it all. Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama (center) and teammate Juwon Oshaniwa savor the victory.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
The body language says it all. Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama (center) and teammate Juwon Oshaniwa savor the victory.
Matthew Lewis/Getty Images
Nigeria defender Joseph Yobo, left, tries to comfort Bosnia-Herzegovina forward Edin Dzeko at the end of the close game. Defender Kenneth Omeruo marks the moment. It was Nigeria's first win at a World Cup since 1998.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Nigeria defender Joseph Yobo, left, tries to comfort Bosnia-Herzegovina forward Edin Dzeko at the end of the close game. Defender Kenneth Omeruo marks the moment. It was Nigeria's first win at a World Cup since 1998.
LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images
Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama makes a save.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama makes a save.
LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images
Referee Peter O Leary makes a point to Joseph Yobo of Nigeria and Vedad Ibisevic of Bosnia.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Referee Peter O Leary makes a point to Joseph Yobo of Nigeria and Vedad Ibisevic of Bosnia.
Stu Forster/Getty Images
Bosnia- Herzegovina forward Edin Dzeko, left, heads the ball near Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Bosnia- Herzegovina forward Edin Dzeko, left, heads the ball near Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo.
LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images
Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic of Bosnia-Herzegovina assists Michael Babatunde of Nigeria off the field.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic of Bosnia-Herzegovina assists Michael Babatunde of Nigeria off the field.
Phil Walter/Getty Images
Bosnia defender Toni Sunjic challenges Nigeria forward Emmanuel Emenike.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Bosnia defender Toni Sunjic challenges Nigeria forward Emmanuel Emenike.
JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images
Nigeria defender Joseph Yobo gestures near Bosnia-Herzegovina defender and captain Emir Spahic.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Nigeria defender Joseph Yobo gestures near Bosnia-Herzegovina defender and captain Emir Spahic.
LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images
Nigeria forward Emmanuel Emenike, right, challenges Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Toni Sunjic.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Nigeria forward Emmanuel Emenike, right, challenges Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Toni Sunjic.
JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images
Fans hold up a sign during denouncing Boko Haram during the match. The militant group is blamed for scores of attacks in Nigeria.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Fans hold up a sign during denouncing Boko Haram during the match. The militant group is blamed for scores of attacks in Nigeria.
Matthew Lewis/Getty Image
Nigeria forward Michael Babatunde jumps to head the ball with Bosnia-Herzegovina defender and captain Emir Spahic.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Nigeria forward Michael Babatunde jumps to head the ball with Bosnia-Herzegovina defender and captain Emir Spahic.
JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images
Bosnia-Herzegovina goalkeeper Asmir Begovic eyes the ball
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Bosnia-Herzegovina goalkeeper Asmir Begovic eyes the ball
JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images
Peter Odemwingie of Nigeria celebrates scoring his team's lone goal, which proved enough.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Peter Odemwingie of Nigeria celebrates scoring his team's lone goal, which proved enough.
Jeff Mitchell/FIFA/Getty Images
Nigeria forward Peter Odemwingie, right, celebrates near Bosnia midfielder Miralem Pjanic after scoring a goal.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Nigeria forward Peter Odemwingie, right, celebrates near Bosnia midfielder Miralem Pjanic after scoring a goal.
LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images
Peter Odemwingie of Nigeria scores his team's first goal past Asmir Begovic.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Peter Odemwingie of Nigeria scores his team's first goal past Asmir Begovic.
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Bosnia defender Toni Sunjic, right, fights for the ball with Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo, left, Nigeria defender Efe Ambrose and Nigeria forward Peter Odemwingie, center.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Bosnia defender Toni Sunjic, right, fights for the ball with Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo, left, Nigeria defender Efe Ambrose and Nigeria forward Peter Odemwingie, center.
LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images
From left to right, Bosnia-Herzegovina midfielder Senad Lulic, defender Toni Sunjic, forward Edin Dzeko and midfielder Haris Medunjanin jump to block a free kick by Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel`.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
From left to right, Bosnia-Herzegovina midfielder Senad Lulic, defender Toni Sunjic, forward Edin Dzeko and midfielder Haris Medunjanin jump to block a free kick by Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel`.
JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images
Nigeria defender Juwon Oshaniwa, right, challenges Bosnia-Herzegovina midfielder Izet Hajrovic.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Nigeria defender Juwon Oshaniwa, right, challenges Bosnia-Herzegovina midfielder Izet Hajrovic.
LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images
A man holds a banner reading "Bring back our girls" ahead of the match between Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The sign is a reference to the abduction of more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls in April.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
A man holds a banner reading "Bring back our girls" ahead of the match between Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The sign is a reference to the abduction of more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls in April.
JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images
Fans snap photos during the match between Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Fans snap photos during the match between Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Stu Forster/Getty Images
Germany forward Miroslav Klose, right, checks Germany forward Thomas Muller after a collision during a World Cup match against Ghana at Castelao Stadium in Fortaleza, Brazil. The game ended in a 2-2 draw.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Germany forward Miroslav Klose, right, checks Germany forward Thomas Muller after a collision during a World Cup match against Ghana at Castelao Stadium in Fortaleza, Brazil. The game ended in a 2-2 draw.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
Miroslav Klose of Germany does a flip in celebration of scoring his team's second goal. It gave Klose his 15th goal in the World Cup, drawing him level with Brazilian great Ronaldo for the scoring record.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Miroslav Klose of Germany does a flip in celebration of scoring his team's second goal. It gave Klose his 15th goal in the World Cup, drawing him level with Brazilian great Ronaldo for the scoring record.
Francois Xavier Marit/Getty Images
Ghana's goalkeeper Fatau Dauda reacts as he fails to save a goal.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Ghana's goalkeeper Fatau Dauda reacts as he fails to save a goal.
JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images
Asamoah Gyan of Ghana celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates. It was his fifth goal in World Cup finals, equaling the African record held by the great Roger Milla of Cameroon.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Asamoah Gyan of Ghana celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates. It was his fifth goal in World Cup finals, equaling the African record held by the great Roger Milla of Cameroon.
Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Asamoah Gyan of Ghana scores his team's second goal past Manuel Neuer of Germany.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Asamoah Gyan of Ghana scores his team's second goal past Manuel Neuer of Germany.
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Andre Ayew of Ghana celebrates scoring his team's first goal against Germany.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Andre Ayew of Ghana celebrates scoring his team's first goal against Germany.
Alex Livesey/FIFA/Getty Images
Andre Ayew of Ghana scores his team's first goal on a header over Per Mertesacker and Shkodran Mustafi of Germany.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Andre Ayew of Ghana scores his team's first goal on a header over Per Mertesacker and Shkodran Mustafi of Germany.
Griffiths/Getty Images
After a tight first half, Mario Gotze put Germany ahead in the 51st minute after a pin point cross from Thomas Muller.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
After a tight first half, Mario Gotze put Germany ahead in the 51st minute after a pin point cross from Thomas Muller.
Martin Rose/Getty Images
Mario Gotze of Germany scores his team's first goal.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Mario Gotze of Germany scores his team's first goal.
Michael Steele/Getty Images
Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah falls.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah falls.
PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer makes a save.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer makes a save.
JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images
Sami Khedira of Germany in action during the match.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Sami Khedira of Germany in action during the match.
Lars BaronFIFA/etty Images
Jonathan Mensah, left, of Ghana in action.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Jonathan Mensah, left, of Ghana in action.
Alex Livesey/FIFA/Getty Images
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer makes a save.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer makes a save.
JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Image
Toni Kroos of Germany is challenged by Jonathan Mensah, left, and Mohammed Rabiu of Ghana.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Toni Kroos of Germany is challenged by Jonathan Mensah, left, and Mohammed Rabiu of Ghana.
Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
Fans cheer during during the Ghana-Germany match.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Fans cheer during during the Ghana-Germany match.
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Ghana midfielder Mohammed Rabiu, left, vies with Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Ghana midfielder Mohammed Rabiu, left, vies with Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil.
JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images
Philipp Lahm of Germany competes for the ball with Christian Atsu, left.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Philipp Lahm of Germany competes for the ball with Christian Atsu, left.
Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
Goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda of Ghana prays prior to the match against Germany in Fortaleza, Brazil.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda of Ghana prays prior to the match against Germany in Fortaleza, Brazil.
Alex Livesey/FIFA/Getty Images
The crowd at Castelao Stadium in Fortaleza before Ghana and Germany match up.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
The crowd at Castelao Stadium in Fortaleza before Ghana and Germany match up.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images
Fans cheer and hold up banners ahead of the game.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Fans cheer and hold up banners ahead of the game.
PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images
A young German fan shows her spirit.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
A young German fan shows her spirit.
Foto Guito Moreto/AgÍncia O Globo/Getty Images
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's goal during the World Cup match between Argentina and Iran at Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Argentina defeated Iran 1-0.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's goal during the World Cup match between Argentina and Iran at Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Argentina defeated Iran 1-0.
Ryan Pierse/FIFA via Getty Images
Messi, Argentina's captain, shoots past Iran forward Reza Ghoochannejhad for the goal. "They made the game very difficult for us," admitted Argentine coach Alejandro Sabella after his side's last-gasp victory.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Messi, Argentina's captain, shoots past Iran forward Reza Ghoochannejhad for the goal. "They made the game very difficult for us," admitted Argentine coach Alejandro Sabella after his side's last-gasp victory.
ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images
Iran forward Reza Ghoochannejhad, left and Argentina defender Federico Fernandez vie for the ball.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Iran forward Reza Ghoochannejhad, left and Argentina defender Federico Fernandez vie for the ball.
BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images
Members of the Iranian team appeal to referee Milorad Mazic, claiming Argentina's Pablo Zabaleta fouled Ashkan Dejagah of Iran.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Members of the Iranian team appeal to referee Milorad Mazic, claiming Argentina's Pablo Zabaleta fouled Ashkan Dejagah of Iran.
Ryan Pierse/FIFA /Getty Images
Iran forward Ashkan Dejagah, left, and Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta collide.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Iran forward Ashkan Dejagah, left, and Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta collide.
PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images
Argentine legend Diego Maradona looks on during the match.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Argentine legend Diego Maradona looks on during the match.
Ryan Pierse/FIFA /Getty Images
Argentina forward and captain Lionel Messi, left, takes a free kick.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Argentina forward and captain Lionel Messi, left, takes a free kick.
JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images
Iran defender Jalal Hosseini, left, and Argentina forward Sergio Aguero vie for the ball.
World Cup: The best photos from June 21 —
Iran defender Jalal Hosseini, left, and Argentina forward Sergio Aguero vie for the ball.
ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images