Nigeria’s defense were exposed Early on as Soto headed in Alex Mendez’s corner-kick at the far post in the 18th minute, giving the USA a 1-0 lead in the Bielsko-Biala rain.

Nigeria had a couple of chances in the first half, substitute Aniekeme Okon’s powerful volley was saved by Brady Scott in the USA goal.

Maxell Effiom also had a go from range, his effort agonizingly kissing the crossbar on its way out.

Less than one minute into the second half Soto exposed the Nigerians again, when got in behind the defensive line. Chris Gloster found the forward with a well weighted pass. Soto just onside, slotted the ball in the net to perfection.

Credit © FIFA website

Nigeria thought they had a lifeline when the referee pointed to the penalty spot after a foul by Keita on Michael but the 19 year old Midfielder was in an offside position leading up to the foul. A VAR review choking off the penalty.

In the end the stars and stripes held on to greatly lift their chances of advancing from Group D.

Nigeria meet Ukraine on Thursday night at 20:30 CAT (21:30 EAT) while USA tackle Qatar at 20:30 CAT (21:30 EAT) in the final group games to decide who will advance to the next round.