game -- against already-qualified

CUIABA, Brazil -- Nigeria ended a 16-year wait for a victory in a World Cup match Saturday, beating Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 courtesy of Peter Odemwingies first-half goal and knocking the tournament newcomers out of contention. Jayson Williams Jersey . Only a point is needed by Nigeria from its last Group F game -- against already-qualified Argentina -- to reach the knockout stage after Odemwingie finished from close range in the 29th minute following one of many powerful runs by his strike partner Emmanuel Emenike. Playing hours after Ghanas plucky 2-2 draw with Germany, Nigeria gave African football another lift following its continents inauspicious start to the tournament. Prior to Saturday, the five African teams had claimed just one win and a draw in seven matches in Brazil. "Its something awesome for Africa," said Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who tipped Edin Dzekos shot onto the post in the final few seconds to preserve the win. "Africa needed that win, something to boost the confidence back home." The Bosnians are sure to go home after the group stage, and will wonder if things may have gone differently had Dzekos goal in the 21st minute not been ruled out for offside. Replays appeared to show the officials may have got the call wrong. "The referee was shameful for this competition," Dzeko said. But Nigeria deserved its win, with Emenike causing all sorts of problems for Bosnia-Herzegovinas defence with his strength and direct running in energy-sapping conditions in the western Brazilian city of Cuiaba. At the other end, the experienced Joseph Yobo was back as captain and marshalled the defence in his 99th international game. Dzeko and the Bosnians technical midfielders carved out few clear-cut opportunities. "They surprised us with their speed and movement," Bosnia-Herzegovina coach Safet Susic said. "They wanted to win probably that much more than us." There was added motivation for Keshis team, which was seeking to boost the spirits of Nigerians in the wake of a suicide bombing attack at a World Cup viewing site in the northeast of their country. At least 14 people died in the blast. After weathering a bright start by the Bosnians, Nigeria went ahead when Emenike powered past the tame challenge of Bosnia defender Emir Spahic, charged down the right flank and crossed for Odemwingie, who shot first-time through the legs of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic -- his teammate at English club Stoke. Odemwingie is back in the World Cup squad after two years away from the national team following a falling-out with Keshi, and he was starting after an impressive cameo as a substitute in the 0-0 draw with Iran. "I couldnt dream of a better comeback in a tournament like the World Cup," Odemwingie said. "I have had to start building from scratch. Everyone had faith in me." After the goal, Nigeria dominated and only a slew of smart saves by Begovic, who denied Michael Babatunde and Emenike, prevented the African champions from going further ahead. Dzeko -- compared with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar by Susic in the build-up to the match -- had a disappointing night, with his finishing off-key and control poor at times. When he did find the target, he was either denied by the officials or by that late, brilliant save from Enyeama. The Bosnians have one game left, against Iran on Wednesday, to try to end their debut World Cup with at least a point to show for their efforts. Rick Barry Jersey . When a game is in the balance, however, they still have the personnel and the experience to end up with the two points. Brook Lopez Jersey . According to the Red Wings Twitter feed, Zetterberg plans to practice with the team on Thursday and is aiming for a second round comeback.ST. LOUIS -- A rainout gave Trevor Rosenthal some time to contemplate his first blown save of the year. "Pitching behind in the count, thats what hurt me," Rosenthal said after the Cardinals won 4-3 in 12 innings Tuesday night. "Everybody goes through it. "Keep going out there and working on it and try to get better." The game between the Chicago Cubs and Cardinals scheduled for Wednesday night was rained out. It was postponed before it started because of a wet weather forecast. Theyll make up the game as part of a day-night doubleheader at Busch Stadium on Aug. 30. Michael Wacha (2-3) and the Cubs Jason Hammel (4-1), the scheduled starters for Wednesday, will now go Thursday. Rosenthal had been 10 for 110 before giving up the tying single to the Cubs Emilio Bonifacio in the ninth inning Tuesday night. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot Jersey. . A walk to Darwin Barney contributed to Chicagos rally and the Cardinals won 4-3 in 12 innings. "Hes going to have to cut down on giving free bases in the ninth inning," manager Mike Matheny said. "Bad things can happen. You have to figure out a way to use your defence if nothing else." The Cubs are 3-15 in games decided by two runs or fewer. "Im more concerned if we didnt fight back," manager Rick Renteria said. "The reality is we took the lead and they ended up going ahead on us, but we came back. "I think the fact that we keep bouncing back is something." ' ' '