Argentina and South Korea take wins in Group B

South Korea and Argentina took important victories to open Group B play in South Africa.  Argentina took care of buiness in a game they were expected to win, but the surprise of the day had to be South Korea taking it to a lackluster Greece.  It was South Korea right from the start as they punished Greece in a phase of the game considered to be a Greece strength.  The opening goal came from a set piece early on.

A silly foul out wide gifted South Korea a free kick from almost the corner spot.  The ball was driven into the six where several players converged at the near post as the ball zipped over them.   Lee Jung Soo was waiting all alone at the backpost to flick it home and give South Korea the early lead.

Greece never looked settled and didn't even generate their first effort on goal until the 70th minute of play.  Meanwhile, Korea was in control and they doubled their lead early in the 2nd half when Ji Sung Park got loose and tucked away his opportunity with class.  Greece pushed some towards the end, but South Korea gains a monster 2-0 victory.

Argentina knew the Korea result and knew they had to keep pace as they faced Nigeria later in the day.  Another early goal dictated the match as a Gabriel Heinze header in the opening minutes was to be the only goal on the night.  Diego Maradona's squad showed class and patience in possession all night with Lionel Messi darting about.  Messi was unlucky to have not scored on several occasions, but for the fabulous Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

The win sets up a major showdown for control of the group as South Korea face Argentina next while Nigeria faces Greece in what amounts to an elimination match.