Argentina 1, Nigeria 0
JOHANNESBURG — Gabriel Heinze scored on a diving header and Argentina hung on for 1-0 victory over Nigeria despite missing a fistful of scoring chances in the teams’ World Cup opener.
Heinze’s goal came in the sixth minute, when he took advantage of weak defense to power in a shot from 12 yards off Juan Sebastian Veron’s corner kick.
The Nigerians struggled for much of the match to contain Argentina forward Lionel Messi, who tormented them with his masterful moves.
Striker Gonzalo Higuain failed to convert three good chances, including what seemed a certain goal in the fourth minute. Messi also came agonizingly close several times against goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, whose terrific saves kept it close.
Taye Taiwo came within inches of an equalizer with a low shot that flew just past Sergio Romero’s left post, and substitute Kalu Uche then scooped a weak shot over the crossbar from inside the box with eight minutes left.
South Korea 2, Greece 0
PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa — Lee Jung-soo and Park Ji-sung each scored and South Korea eased to a win over lackluster Greece..
Lee tapped in a free kick from short range in the seventh minute and Park Ji-sung doubled the lead in the 52nd with a slick solo goal.
The Manchester United midfielder collected a misplaced pass from Vassilis Torosidis and skipped past two defenders before slipping a shot beyond goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas.
Striker Park Chu-young had another three chances to score for South Korea, and Fanis Gekas had a shot saved with 10 minutes left in what was Greece’s best chance.
Greece mustered only a few shots the Koreans blocked.
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