The juggernauts of Group B registered 32 shots combined, but with only one on target out of 12 for Nigeria, capitalizing on their created chances was a problem for the African team.
A sixth-minute goal was all Argentina needed to best the speedy and athletic Nigeria, and the Argentineans' patented ball control kept the rock away from Nigeria in the final 15 minutes to prevent a last-second equalizer.
Player of the Game
Vincent Enyeama, Nigera
Lionel Messi of Argentina dazzled, as many expected the international superstar to, but without the spectacular saves of goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, Nigeria would have lost 4-0 and Messi would have had a hat trick. Enyeama tallied seven saves, including a handful of shots that were uncontested by the Nigerian defense. Continued stellar play from Enyeama can allow Nigeria to overcome this tight loss and move out of group play.
Scoring Breakdown
Although great looks littered the 90 minutes in this match, only one ball found the back of the net. In the sixth minute, Juan Sebastian Veron booted a corner from the right side into traffic. As Nigeria's keeper came out to punch the ball out of harm's way, Argentina left back Gabriel Heinze threw himself at the ball and headed it into the top corner. Argentina held that 1-0 lead for the remainder of the contest.
Notes
Lionel Messi managed more shots on target in the first half than any of the four teams playing yesterday in total. Nigeria has not scored a second-half World Cup goal since June 28, 1998 in the second round against Denmark. Each side earned a yellow card: Jonas Gutierrez for Argentina and Lukman Haruna for Nigeria.
Next
Argentina plays South Korea in a battle of the 1-0 squads on Thursday, June 17 at 7:30 a.m. (ET) at Soccer City Stadium. Nigeria and Greece will lock up immediately after on Jun 17 at 10 a.m. (ET) inside Free State Stadium.
