By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports
South Africa, Thursday, June 17, 2010 — Argentina all but sealed their spot in the last 16 after a superb 4-1 thrashing of South Korea in their second Group B game.
There were slight worries about how Argentina dominated against Nigeria without being able to score more than one but they were truly banished in this match with Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain hitting a hat-trick.
Our stand-in pundit Alvan Tay shared his post-match sentiments.
Alvan Tay of RI. (Photo © Alvan Tay)
Alvan Says:
Prior to the match, much of the focus was on one man – Lionel Messi. Though he answered skeptics and critics alike in spectacular fashion with a scintillating performance against Nigeria, another question remains — will he reproduce the inspired form he showed in the match against South Korea?
As the dust settled under the afternoon sun in Johannesburg, Argentina ran out clear and deserved winners with a scoreline that certainly did not flatter to deceive. Carried by a team of precocious talents and geniuses in the likes of Messi, Tevez, Higuain and Di Maria, Argentina romped to a convincing 4-1 victory over the South Koreans who were brought back to earth after their recent 2-0 win against Greece.
The South Koreans were initially expected to be tricky oppositions for the Argentinians but their cagey first-half performance was an omen of things to come in the tie. They were pinned back in their own half for most of the game and even though they pulled one back from a rather fortuitous goal on the stroke of half-time to salvage some glimpses of hope, their much-improved performance in the second-half was still overwhelmed by the sheer class of their opponents.
Argentina’s first goal, courtesy of an own goal from South Korean forward Park Chu Young, was a tad lucky but the subsequent three goals which they scored were the products of quick free-flowing football. With an attack marshaled by the illustrious Messi, Argentina looked dangerous every time they forayed into the South Korean half. Despite yet another goal-less game for Messi, he put in another great performance, proving that he is indeed capable of bringing his form on the club level to the international stage.
Man of the Match: Lionel Messi
Without a trace of doubt for me, it is Lionel Messi. The Argentine was an absolute joy to watch, shining in his position behind the two forwards Higuain and Tevez.
He was involved in three out of the four Argentina goals – the first with a free-kick, the third with a shot off the post and the fourth with a quick free-kick that sparked the counter-attack as well as a delicate chip over the defence to find Aguero.
Most Improved Player: Gonzalo Higuain
The Real Madrid forward has proven himself to be a worthy goal-poacher with a much-improved performance from his previously dismal showing against the Nigerians. Higuain formed a brilliant partnership with Tevez and was sharp throughout his time on the pitch, making well-timed runs into the box as well as holding up the ball.
He was a constant menace to the South Korean defence and his hat-trick would have helped his confidence for the subsequent matches. Expect him to have a starring role in the latter stages of Argentina’s World Cup campaign.
Most Disappointing Player: Park Ji-Sung
Much was expected from the South Korean captain after his industrious performance against Greece caught the eye of many fans and neutrals. In this match, however, his hard running came to no avail as the Argentines simply passed circles around his team.
Park also looked nervous on the ball and made several loose passes. Moreover, he failed to lead and calm his team down in a cagey first-half for the South Koreans. He had a merely average game by his standards and could have done much, much better.
More News and Reactions
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Argentina slip into top gear
Video highlights of the match
| GROUP B | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ARGENTINA  | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 9 |
SOUTH KOREA  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
GREECE  | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 3 |
NIGERIA  | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 1 |
For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/
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