SAINT PETERSBURG, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr blamed inexperience for his team's exit from the World Cup after a last-gasp defeat to Argentina Tuesday night.
Nigeria lost 2-1 to Argentina at Saint Petersburg Stadium because of a late goal at 87th minute. As Croatia advanced as group winner after defeating Iceland 2-1 in the other Group D match, a draw with the South America country could have sent Nigeria to the knockout stage.
"It's a big disappointment because my team gave the best," Rohr told reporters after the match. "We were just a few minutes away from qualification."
"My young team was missing a little experience to handle the final minutes. I'm proud of my time. But we have to accept," he said at a post-match press conference.
With the victory, Argentina finished second in Group D to secure a round of 16 clash against France. Rohr sent his congratulations to the opponents and hoped they can continue to perform well at the World Cup.
"Argentina will be a very difficult opponent for France. In their team, they have some players who are among the best in the world, and they are pushed by an incredible crowd of supporters," he added.
