World Cup: Messi magic for Argentina, Klose closes in on record
Argentina v Iran
Argentina booked a place in the Round of 16 with a 1-0 win over Iran - but they needed some late magic from Lionel Messi to do so.
Carlos Quieroz's men proved a difficult opponent to break down for the South Americans as the Group F match in Belo Horizonte remained scoreless after 90 minutes.
However, skipper Messi, who has often been criticised for failing to show the qualities that made him a four-time World Player of the Year in an Albiceleste jersey, provided the inspiration in the first minute of added time with a superb curling effort from outside the box.
The goal ensured Argentina a spot in the knockout stages while Iran could still qualify if results in the last match on June 26 (Singapore time) go their way.
Nigeria v Bosnia-Herzegovina
In the other Group F match, Bosnia-Herzegovina's fate was sealed when they crashed to a 1-0 defeat by Nigeria.
Stoke City forward Peter Odemwingie nabbed the winning goal for the Super Eagles on 29 minutes after some good work on the flank by Emmanuel Emenike.
While Edin Dzeko and Co. will join England on an early flight home after their final group match against Iran, Nigeria must now grind out a point against Argentina on June 26 (Singapore time).
Germany v Ghana
Over in Fortaleza, Miroslav Klose scored the equaliser for Germany in their 2-2 draw with Ghana to equal Ronaldo's record of 15 World Cup goals and become only the third player to score in four different tournaments.
Die Mannschaft drew first blood at the Estadio Castelao courtesy of a header from Mario Goetze on 51 minutes.
However, they soon found themselves behind as the Black Stars first drew level three minutes later with another header from Andre Ayew before captain Asamoah Gyan sprung clear of a static German defence lash home in the 63rd minute.
Veteran striker Klose was to have the final say in the 71st minute when he pounced on a flick-on from teammate Benedikt Hoewedes off a Toni Kroos corner to direct the ball into the net from close range.
Now level on 15 goals with Brazil's Ronaldo, the 36-year-old Klose just needs one more goal to become the World Cup's all-time top scorer.
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