Javier Hernandez celebrates his game-winning goal against France
Argentina 4, South Korea 1
Argentina all but assured their advancement to the knockout stage with a 4-1 defeat of South Korea in Thursday’s early match which included an own goal and a hat trick by Gonzalo Higuain. The South Americans broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when Lionel Messi’s cross deflected off Park Chu-Young’s shin for an own goal. Higuain added his first goal 17 minutes later by heading home Nicolas Burdisso’s headed pass off a Maxi Rodriguez cross.
South Korea halved the deficit and the stroke of halftime when a defensive lapse by Argentina allowed Lee Chung-Yong to break in on goal and beat Sergio Romero to score. South Korea missed a few quality chances near the beginning of the second half but couldn’t convert. The victory was assured when Higuain put home a rebound when Messi’s shot came off the post. Higuain added his third four minutes later.
“I have to congratulate the players … everything they did worked out well,” Argentina coach Diego Maradona said. “I am very happy.”
Argentina could have secured a advancement if Nigeria had won or tied against Greece in the late game.
Greece 2, Nigeria 1
Greece scored their first goal ever in a World Cup and a second-half goal by Vasilis Torosidis gave the Greeks their first-ever World Cup victory.
Nigeria opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Kalu Uche’s free kick failed to find a player inside the penalty area but curled inside the far post. Nigeria looked to be in control until Sani Kaita kicked out at Torosidis after a tussle for the ball. Kaita was immediately shown a red card and Nigeria was reduced to 10 men.
Constant Greek pressure paid off in the 44th minute when Dimitrios Salpingidis’ shot from outside the box deflected off Lukman Haruna into the top corner. Torosidis sealed the victory in the 71st minute off the rebound after Vincent Enyeama couldn’t contain a long-range shot.
The loss puts Nigeria’s hopes of qualification in serious doubt. They must beat South Korea by at least two clear goals and hope for a Argentina victory over Greece on Wednesday.
Mexico 2, France 0
A second-half goal from Javier Hernandez and a penalty kick from 37-year-old Cuauhtemoc Blanco gave Mexico a 2-0 win over France. The result means likely advancement for Mexico and all but ends the tumultuous reign of unpopular French manager Raymond Domenech, who will step down after the World Cup.
The first half offered many chances but no breakthrough, with both teams playing for a win following opening draws. The opener finally came in the 64th minute when newly acquired Manchester United beat the offisides trap, rounded French goalkeeper Hugo Loris and slotted it into an empty net. The Mexicans finished the game off in the 79th minute when Eric Abidal brought Pablo Barrera down in the box. Blanco beat Loris to the left post to become the third-oldest player to score in a World Cup.
Mexico need only to draw against Uraguay on Wednesday. Group-leaders Uraguay are in a similar position, with a draw guaranteeing first place in the group.
It is so exciting ,I like world cup.
yes i like world cup, because bring many things in my country.and also bring unity amongst us .