Argentina showed why they are an offensive powerhouse as they tied the World Cup tournament high for goals in a 4-1 win over South Korea. It proved to be an interesting and very intense match with an unexpected two goals scored by Argentina in the first half and South Korea scoring one goal just before the half-time.
Argentina’s offence was kick-started after Park Chu-Young’s own goal in the 17th minute when he deflected in a free kick by Messi. Messi has the ability to open holes in opposing teams by drawing the defenders towards him. However, Messi is just one example of a force that the South Korean’s had to reckon with in this game.
The game’s biggest story was Argentinean striker Gonzalo Higuain who netted a hat trick for Argentina and ensured their advancement into the last 16. In this game, Higuain seemed to make up for all the chances he missed in Argentina’s opening match against Nigeria. Argentina is now on top of Group B with six points. Higuain scored his first goal in the 33rd minute off a perfect pass from Nicolas Burdisso, who flicked on a cross from Maxi Rodriguez, into the back of the net to put Argentina ahead by two.
South Korea’s only goal game came in injury time in the first half when Lee Chung-Yong capitalized on a defensive error to bring his team one point. However, two second-half goals by Higuain, one in the 76th minute and the other in the 80th minute, secured the victory for Argentina.
In the second-half of the game, the South Koreans emerged with more confidence and tried to even up the score against Argentina. A great chance for South Korea emerged when Chung-Yong made a brilliant run and kicked the ball to Yeom Ki-Hun. Unfortunately, the chance of equalizing the score was shattered when Ki-Hun shot just wide of the left-hand post in the 56th minute.
Argentina’s best player, and probably the greatest in the world, Lionel Messi did everything but score a goal in this game. However, he made a great run to set up Higuain’s second goal. With only 14 minutes left in what appeared to be a victory for Argentina, Messi fled past two challenges and shot against the post. After his shot was blocked, he got the rebound and hit the post before the ball bounced to Higuain who tapped it into the open net.
Just four minutes later, Messi made another great play when he played the ball to substitute Sergio Aguero, who then crossed it to Higuain to complete the hat trick. It was a masterfully played delivery that secured Argentina as the victors, who after this goal, simply played around with the ball, with a few holds by South Korea, until full-time was called.
Argentina manager Diego Maradona was rightfully pleased with his team’s performance: "I have to congratulate the players ... everything they did worked out well," he said. "I am very happy." In addition, Javier Mascherano thought that the team played well. He admitted “More than the win it was so important to play well and achieve a clear victory. The team managed the game from the beginning to the end.”
Argentina’s performance can only be rivaled by Germany’s 4-0 thrashing of Australia in their opening game. The Albiceleste recorded 11 shots on target compared to two for South Korea. They simply deserved the win and are clearly one of the most talented teams in the tournament. In fact, Argentina has become a favorite to win this World Cup. After all, with players like Messi, who still searches for his first goal in a World Cup final, Argentina is sure to break loose with a flurry of goals in the next round from Group B.
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