Argentina vs. Nigeria: Argentina wins, now faces a strong South Korea
(Read article summary)In Argentina vs. Nigeria, Argentina's narrow 1-0 victory might have been greater but for Nigerian keeper Vincent Enyema's outstanding match. Argentina next faces South Korea, which easily beat Greece 2-0.
In Argentina vs. Nigeria, Argentina got their campaign off to a winning start in Johannesburg with a narrow 1-0 victory.
The Argentines had by far the greater number of chances and Lionel Messi was at the center of all their moves. But the Barcelona striker was profligate in front of goal, and Nigerian keeper Vincent Enyema had an outstanding match.
Argentina started brightly, with Messi looking dangerous every time he got the ball. He released Carlos Tevez in the first minute and Gonzalo Hugain two minutes later but neither could quite find the net.
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Just moments later Messi himself came close when he lofted a shot towards the top corner from 19 yards out that was well stopped by Enyema.
The goal wasn’t long in coming though, and it was defender Gabriel Heinze who got it. In the 6th minute, Heinze threw himself at a Juan Sebastian Veron corner to head the ball into the net. The goal was controversial, however, as his defensive partner Walter Samuel held back Obanni to allow Heinze a free header.
