Argentina face do or die test against Nigeria today

SAINT PETERSBURG, June 24 (Agencies): Held by Iceland and humiliated by Croatia, Argentina's World Cup could already have been all but over, but Lionel Messi and the rest of Jorge Sampaoli's troubled squad have one final shot at redemption against Nigeria on Tuesday.

Victory against the Africans, who Argentina have beaten in all four previous World Cup meetings, will secure qualification for the last 16 as long as Iceland don't shock already-qualified Croatia.

Even if Iceland claim a first ever World Cup victory, Argentina could still progress on goal difference.

However, bouncing back will take a huge improvement in performance and strength of character so far unseen from the two-time world champions in Russia.

The Argentina federation were even moved on Saturday to confirm that Sampaoli would continue for the final group game among rumours of a rift between players and coach.

"I get the feeling there's a general anger at the heart of the team," said Argentina's legendary 1986 World Cup-winning captain Diego Maradona.

"I'm furious and very upset inside, because anyone who wore that shirt can't see it being trampled like that by a Croatian team that isn't Germany, that isn't Brazil, that isn't Holland or Spain."

For all his heroics with Barcelona at club level, Messi is still often compared unfavourably in his homeland for his inability to recreate Maradona's success for the national team.

Messi led Argentina to the World Cup final four years ago and consecutive Copa America finals in the following two years, but all three ended in defeat.

And his 31st birthday on Sunday only served to highlight how time is running out for Messi to win a major international tournament.

Without the five-time World Player of the Year, though, it is highly unlikely Argentina would even have qualified.

Meanwhile, France have yet to shine at the FIFA World Cup, but they have good reason to show they have something special when they take on Denmark in their Group C finale on Tuesday.

Les Bleus have qualified for the knockout stage with victories against Australia and Peru, but they are keen to avoid Croatia in the last 16 after the way the Balkan side, favourites to top Group D, impressed in their opening games.

France need a draw to also top their group for a potentially more favourable meeting with likely second-place finishers in Group D, Argentina or Nigeria.

Another reason for them to show off their best is the remark made by Denmark coach Age Hareide, who last month dismissed Didier Deschamps' side as "nothing special."

In another game, with their hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup's knockout rounds on a knife-edge, Australia head into their must-win match against Peru under pressure to score goals and with fingers crossed that France will bring their A-game against Denmark.

Long hampered by a lack of firepower, the Socceroos' two goals in Russia have both come from Mile Jedinak penalties but relying again on the cool head of their captain from the spot may be perilous for their hopes of advancing.