Argentina dominated Nigeria in all facets of the game, but was only good enough for a 1–0 victory at Ellis Park Stadium in Johnanesburg on Saturday.
The South Americans join South Korea atop Group B. The Asian team was vastly superior to Greece in a convincing 2–0 earlier in the day.
Lionel Messi was the star of the game for Argentina. Whenever he got the ball, he’d make things happen. He struck fear into the Nigerian defense with his weaving runs that would either lead to a nifty through ball or a deft left-footed shot.
But it was left fullback Gabriel Heinze who got Argentina on the board with a diving header off a corner kick. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid defender was perfectly placed to score in the sixth minute.
Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama kept his team from being blown out. He pulled off several saves, against the likes of Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, and Carlos Tevez. He was named Man of the Match.
The South Americans join South Korea atop Group B. The Asian team was vastly superior to Greece in a convincing 2–0 earlier in the day.
Lionel Messi was the star of the game for Argentina. Whenever he got the ball, he’d make things happen. He struck fear into the Nigerian defense with his weaving runs that would either lead to a nifty through ball or a deft left-footed shot.
But it was left fullback Gabriel Heinze who got Argentina on the board with a diving header off a corner kick. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid defender was perfectly placed to score in the sixth minute.
Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama kept his team from being blown out. He pulled off several saves, against the likes of Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, and Carlos Tevez. He was named Man of the Match.
