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South Africa v Mexico
Group A, 14:00 GMT, June 11, 2010

Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa

With the eyes of the world trained upon the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, the opening match of the FIFA World Cup offers South Africa a unique opportunity to make a statement of intent, both for their own team and for the tournament as a whole.

• How far can South Africa go?

Bafana Bafana will take to the stage after the usual extravagant, drawn out opening ceremony and will find it tough to focus their attention on overcoming their opponents after being part of such a scene. However, buoyed by the sound of around 90,000 vuvuzelas, Carlos Alberto Parreira's men will have the entire nation - perhaps even continent - behind them as they walk out onto the pitch and you can never rule out the benefit of having a '12th man' in the stands.

Coach Parreira boasts all the experience needed to succeed at the highest level, however few have given the South Africans much of a chance of getting out of a group that also includes France and Uruguay. Led by the likes of Steven Pienaar and Aaron Mokoena, Bafana Bafana have, though, been in great form of late. Unbeaten since mid-October, the side have recently beaten Colombia, hammered Guatemala, and overcome Denmark in their warm-up games and have an excellent fourth-placed campaign in the 2009 Confederations Cup (held in South Africa) to draw upon should they need to.

Their opponents, Mexico, have also been on a good run. Unlucky to lose to England after a first-half showing that suggested coach Javier Aguirre will place his emphasis on attacking football, Mexico will have confidence flowing their veins after beating reigning world champions Italy 2-1.

It is something of a turnaround considering that, under Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Mexicans were on the verge of missing out on the tournament altogether, and Aguirre now has the team playing with a freedom that brings out their self-belief. With a mixture of veteran performers like Rafael Marquez and young talent in the form of Javier Hernandez and Carlos Vela, they will be a tough proposition for the hosts to overcome.

South Africa player in focus: Katlego Mphela. South Africa left Benni McCarthy out of the squad for a reason and one of them is the form of Mphela. With four goals in his last two starts, the Mamelodi Sundowns striker has made a first-team place his own and, on the back of an incredible goal in the Confederations Cup against Spain, his star is on the rise.

Mexico player in focus: Javier Hernandez. Having just moved to Manchester United in a deal reported to be around £10 million, the spotlight will well and truly be on the young striker. Quick, agile and with a good eye for goal, he has scored seven goals in 12 games for his country. Will need to perform better than he managed in the friendly at Wembley though, if he is to prove his doubters wrong.

Key Battle: Steven Pienaar vs. Efrain Juarez. Pienaar's form is crucial if South Africa have any hope of getting out of the group and his work on the wing will set up chances for his team-mates. A great season at Everton has raised expectation, but then Juarez's form for UNAM Pumas has also caught the attention. With Juarez also able to play at full-back, his defensive qualities could be key to stopping Pienaar.

Trivia: This year's opening match is the first ever in Africa and it will be the third opener to feature an African team. On both previous occasions the African sides picked up shocks wins as Cameroon beat holders Argentina 1-0 in 1990 and Senegal beat champions France by the same score in 2002.

Stats: South Africa coach Parreira will take charge of a side at his sixth World Cup. Kuwait (1982), United Arab Emirates (1990), Saudi Arabia (1998) and Brazil (1994 and 2006); while Mexico have been sent home in the Second Round stage in the past four World Cup tournaments.

Eight of the last 11 opening matches have produced one or no goals.

Odds: A 2-2 draw comes in at 17.00, while Mphela looks a good bet to score first at 7.50 with Bet 365.

Prediction: You can't rule out the importance of the crowd in the first game. Players at the Confederations Cup complained of hearing what sounded like a swarm of bees on the pitch - in fact it was the vuvuzela noise - and Mexico could be stunned. It should be enough for South Africa to claim at least a draw.

Uruguay v France
Group A, 18:30 GMT, June 11, 2010

Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa

Historians of French football did not have to search too far back in the record books for worrying omens when the World Cup draw was made. In 2002, when les Bleus surrendered their crown in such meek fashion, it was a 0-0 draw in their second game against Uruguay that truly confirmed their fall from grace.



France do not approach the 2010 finals enjoying the lofty status of world beaters, though. In fact, having infamously required a Thierry Henry handball to edge past Republic of Ireland in a play-off and suffered a defeat in a warm-up game against China's second string, Raymond Domenech's side look ripe for another early exit in Group A. With Lassana Diarra absent due to injury, and Henry exiled to the bench, France are also grappling with an experimental 4-3-3 formation that is open to exploitation.

In contrast, Uruguay - winners in 1930 and 1950, but competing in only their second finals since 1990 - appear high in confidence, with captain Diego Lugano boasting Oscar Tabarez's side are hitting their best form. Whether that is enough to take advantage of France's very evident problems remains to be seen.

Uruguay player in focus: Diego Forlan. Cometh the hour, cometh the man? In recent seasons, Forlan has proved to be the player for the big occasion and in May scored both of Atletico Madrid's goals in the Europa League final. Forlan top-scored for Uruguay in qualification with seven goals and, in his only match of the 2002 World Cup, netted in a 3-3 draw with Senegal. The striker has reached double figures in each of his past six seasons in Spain.

France player in focus: Franck Ribery. The Bayern Munich star missed the Champions League final due to suspension and must be keen to make amends. Ribery was one of the breakthrough stars of the last World Cup but has seen his preparations for the current tournament disrupted by a sex scandal, though he remains a key figure for les Bleus. Raymond Domenech needs Ribery to flourish in an unfamiliar 4-3-3 formation if the country are to enjoy a trouble-free group stage.

Key battle: Luis Suarez v William Gallas. The Uruguay forward is arguably world football's most in-form player heading into the finals having scored a remarkable 49 goals for Ajax last season. In Gallas, he faces an opponent who has been recovering from injury and has yet to prove he can strike up a productive partnership with Eric Abidal in the heart of Domenech's defence, but the Frenchman's form at Arsenal was impressive in the first half of the season.

Trivia: Diego Forlan's father, Pablo, was named in the Uruguay squads for both the 1966 and 1974 World Cup finals.

Stats: Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan scored 71 goals between them in all competitions last season. France's five forwards - Thierry Henry, Sidney Govou, Andre-Pierre Gignac, Djibril Cisse and Nicolas Anelka - managed just 59.

Odds: Uruguay (3.50), the draw (3.20), France (2.20) with Bet365. Uruguay to win to nil is 5.50 and may be worth a flutter with France looking unconvincing of late.

Prediction: Uruguay possess some formidable firepower and with France still adjusting to a new formation and struggling for form, we may have an early shock on our hands.

Full-time - 90'
South Africa
1 - 1
Mexico

Group A, 14:00 GMT, June 11, 2010

Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa

MATCH SUMMARY
• Man of the Match: Giovani Dos Santos - Everything positive that Mexico did was through him, and though it didn't always come off exactly to plan, he certainly showed flashes of creative brilliance and will likely be key to Mexico's hopes of progress.

• South Africa verdict: Played a counter-attacking game and looked impressive at times when breaking at pace. But aside from Tshabalala's goal, the final ball was always lacking and Perez in the Mexico goal was rarely threatened. Defensively very shaky and Marquez's equaliser was just another demonstration of the poor marking from set pieces, prevalent throughout.

• Mexico verdict: Dominated possession throughout with Dos Santos pulling the strings, but despite creating chances, Franco's finishing was not up to scratch. Prone to committing too many men forward and leaving huge spaces at the back, especially down either flank.

• Could do better: All the defenders. An exciting end-to-end opener is great for the spectators but the coaches would have been livid with their respective sides' backlines. Lots of mistakes, poor marking and a lack of discipline. Entertaining stuff nonetheless.

• Stat attack: South Africa's draw was the sixth occasion the host nation have drawn their opening match of the tournament. The others were England 1966, Mexico 1970, Spain 1982, USA 1994 and Japan 2002. No hosts have ever lost their opening fixture.


After struggling through the first half, the home side came out firing after the break and took the lead through Siphiwe Tshabalala. But after missing plenty of chances to build on their advantage, they saw their lead cancelled out by the Barcelona defender.

Katlego Mphela could have snatched victory at the death, but his strike found the base of the post as both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.

After an entertaining opening ceremony in Johannesburg, Bafana Bafana failed to make the most of their advantage, much to the disappointment of the 85,000 crowd.

The visitors almost stunned their hosts inside the first 120 seconds, but were thwarted by a last-ditch block by Aaron Mokoena. It came after Paul Aguilar's cross from the right was not convincingly cleared by Itumeleng Khune and Giovani dos Santos' shot was repelled by the South Africa captain with an empty net gaping.

Steven Pienaar sent South Africa's only real early chance - a 25-yard free-kick - disappointingly over, while Efrain Juarez became the first player to be booked at the World Cup for trying to slow down play.

Dos Santos again came close when a quick counter-attack resulted in the Galatasaray forward striking a rising shot narrowly wide. There was a slightly nervy moment for Mexico after 22 minutes when Oscar Perez fumbled and then regathered Pienaar's cross. Fortunately for the goalkeeper, there were no attacking players close enough to capitalise.

Khune continued to be kept busy and did well to keep out Guillermo Franco after the former West Ham striker controlled well in the area only to see his shot blocked.

Bongani Khumalo then diverted another Dos Santos shot away for a corner, before there was a lucky off-side escape when Khune flapped at a corner - but came so far he played Carlos Vela offside as the Arsenal forward latched on to a flick-on and tapped in.

The home side finally came out of their shell in the closing moments of the half - Mphela failing to connect with Tshabalala's well-floated cross and Kagisho Dikgacoi heading a corner wide.

Lucas Thwala, who was stretched down the left in the opening 45 minutes, was replaced by Tsepo Masilela at half time as Carlos Alberto Parreira looked to shore up in defence. But it was in attack where they prospered, taking the lead through a fine Tshabalala effort after 55 minutes.

The Kaizer Chiefs midfielder was put through on the left by an excellent ball from Teko Modise and unleashed a powerful cross-goal shot that gave Perez no chance.

Mexican coach Javier Aguirre responded by throwing on Andres Guardado for Aguilar. It was Dos Santos, though, who continued to torment the home defence and he again drew a fine save from Khune with a strike from the right that was turned away for a corner.

The home side were clearly lifted by the goal and Modise should have doubled the advantage after the hour mark when Mphela's shot was deflected into his path six yards out - but he struck his effort wide.

Veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco was thrown into the mix in place of Vela, but again it was the home side through Modise who engineered a good chance. However, he took too long to pull the trigger and Francisco Rodriguez cleared away the danger.

Javier Hernandez also entered the fray but it was another substitute that set up the equaliser - Guardado's cross from the left looping over the head of Mokoena and Marquez took a touch before firing in.

Mphela showed good pace minutes from time when he outpaced Rodriguez, but his shot could not beat the post.

Full-time - 90'
Uruguay
0 - 0
France

Group A, 18:30 GMT, June 11, 2010

Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa

MATCH SUMMARY
• Man of the Match: Diego Forlan. A constant threat up front, Forlan had some great chances to put the game to rest, but could not break the deadlock. When Uruguay went down to ten men, he worked hard to close down the opposition and secure a point.

• France verdict: Lacking in cohesion, spark or frankly anything that would give them a positive write-up, the French carried their poor friendly form into their first match. Malouda brought something when he came on, but it was not a good night at the office and something looks badly wrong with the side.

• Uruguay verdict: Carrying a decent attacking threat throughout the game, Forlan and company had chances to win the match but didn't capitalise on the lacklustre French defending. Soaking up most of the pressure, they didn't look that troubled and showed good pace down the flanks.

• Could do better: Raymond Domenech. As if hauling his players up mountains before the tournament wasn't bad enough, the French coach opted to keep Sidney Govou on the pitch for 84 minutes and reportedly had a bust-up with Florent Malouda before the game.

• Stat attack: It has been 25 years since there has been a goal in this fixture. It may be another 25 until the next one.


Raymond Domenech's side, who drew their first two group games in 2006 before going on to reach the final, struggled for ideas against a well-drilled South American outfit.

Winger Sidney Govou had by far the clearest chance to score for France in only the seventh minute, side-footing a Franck Ribery cross wide with the goal gaping. Uruguay even played the last nine minutes with ten men after substitute Nicolas Lodeiro's dismissal.

France, who are in South Africa thanks to William Gallas' highly controversial goal in their qualification play-off against the Republic of Ireland, left former captain Thierry Henry on the bench with Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra having inherited the armband.

Uruguay, meanwhile, boasted two of European club football's most potent goalscorers up front at Green Point Stadium in Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan and Ajax forward Luis Suarez.

France should have opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Abou Diaby played Ribery in down the left and when the winger's teasing left-footed cross flashed across the face of goal, Govou failed to strike it cleanly and the ball went well wide.

The first booking by Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura came after 11 minutes when Evra was cautioned for a cynical shirt pull while Ribery joined him in the book before the break.

France striker Nicolas Anelka headed over while at the other end a bending Forlan effort from the edge of the box forced Hugo Lloris to save.

Playmaker Yoann Gourcuff had two speculative efforts on goal as the half-time whistle approached.

Egidio Arevalo and Forlan both had chances early in the second half but neither could find the target for the two-time World Cup winning South Americans.

France were probing for the killer pass but Bordeaux talisman Gourcuff was repeatedly denied by a well-drilled Uruguay defence.

Mauricio Victorino was carded for a late lunge on Evra in the 59th minute and Ribery blasted wide from the resulting training-ground set-piece by Gourcuff.

Uruguay boss Oscar Tabarez sent on Lodeiro for Ignacio Gonzalez and he was booked within a minute. In the 66th minute Lloris dropped a catch under pressure from Suarez, who could not capitalise before Jeremy Toulalan was booked for a lunge on Uruguay wing-back Alvaro Pereira two minutes later.

Domenech sacrificed Anelka to send on Henry in the 71st minute to the delight of the 64,100 crowd, which was mainly comprised of locals.

Forlan had a 73rd-minute sight of goal when he dragged a first-time effort wide from Suarez's flick-on, before his strike partner was swapped for veteran substitute Sebastian Abreu.

Domenech threw Chelsea's Florent Malouda on for the disappointing Gourcuff but still they were devoid of cutting edge. Lodeiro's hapless cameo was ended abruptly in the 81st minute when he was carded again for a late and high challenge on Bacary Sagna.

Domenech's last throw of the dice was to throw on Andre Pierre Gignac for Govou with five minutes left but even his predatory instincts were insufficient and French appeals for a penalty were dismissed when Henry's stab towards goal seemed to hit Victorino's lower arm in the 89th minute.

That, however, was as close as they came, with Henry hitting the wall from a free-kick and for the third World Cup in a row, France failed to win their opening game.

South Korea v Greece
Group B, 11:30 GMT, June 12, 2010

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

In what looks a relatively open group, both South Korea and Greece will feel they have to take three points from their first match if they are to progress.


"If we win, we are in a position to try to qualify for the next round," Greece midfielder Christos Patsatzoglou said. "It's very important not to lose, everybody knows that."

South Korea will feel confident of a victory and look the more likely to go through. Their final warm-up game brought a creditable 1-0 defeat to Spain, and they beat Ivory Coast 2-0 in March on neutral territory. For Greece, their best result in the warm-up games was a 2-2 draw with North Korea.

However, South Korea have a couple of injury doubts, to Park Ji-Sung and Park Chu-Young, which could affect their hopes. Both players are expected to be available but, given the former's importance to the team, Huh Jung-Moo will have cause for concern.

South Korea player in focus: Park Ji-Sung. Having proved a vital player for Guus Hiddink for both South Korea and PSV Eindhoven, Park is now a hugely important part of the Manchester United squad. His work-rate is an obvious asset, but he is also capable of scoring goals. An injury scare has threatened to rule him out of the opener, but he is expected to return in time.

Greece player in focus: Sotirios Kyrgiakos. Otto Rehhagel relies completely on his defence remaining resolute so they can nick narrow victories from set-pieces and centre back Kyrgiakos, who joined Liverpool from AEK Athens last summer, is absolutely central to that aim.

Key battle: Lee Chung-Yong v Kostas Katsouranis. In a heavily defensive team, Panathinaikos' Katsouranis is the defensive midfield general. He will need to work hard to contain 21-year-old Bolton starlet Lee, whose skilful and inventive play from the midfield makes him a huge asset for South Korea.

Trivia: Greece coach Otto Rehhagel, 71, will be the oldest coach at the World Cup.

Stats: Greece have never won a World Cup match, having qualified for just one previous tournament (USA '94). Greece striker Theofanis Gekas, though, was the top scorer in European qualification for this year's World Cup, scoring ten goals.

Odds: South Korea (2.87), the draw (3.10), Greece (2.62) with Bet365. A 1-0 win for South Korea looks good value at 7.00.

Prediction: South Korea have been impressive in many of their warm-up games and, while Greece are always hard to beat, the 2002 semi-finalists should have enough to take the win.

Argentina v Nigeria
Group B, 14:00 GMT, June 12, 2010

Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa

The talent in the Argentina squad is so vast that Diego Maradona has left out two of Inter Milan's Champions League-winning stars - Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti - and the two-goal hero of the final, Diego Milito, may be his sixth-choice forward.


Nonetheless, the coach's selections and tactics have been so erratic that a team that could have been the overall favourite is considered to have little hope of going beyond the quarter-finals. That may be unfair, and the negative press could prove a motivating factor, but the fact remains that few believe they can compete with the very best this summer.

Nigeria's preparations have been no less hectic. The Nigerian federation finally decided to dismiss Shaibu Amodu after the African Nations Cup and appointed former Sweden boss Lars Lagerback in February. Lagerback is a good and experienced coach, but the lack of preparation time has severely damaged his hopes of getting it right in South Africa.

Argentina player in focus: Lionel Messi. While Messi has often struggled to find his best form under Diego Maradona, it is welcome news that the coach is planning to adopt a 4-3-3 formation with the Barcelona star featuring alongside Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez. The rumours are that Messi will be given a free role and allowed to drift behind his fellow attackers, which could allow him to flourish on the world stage.

Nigeria player in focus: Obafemi Martins. While Nigeria are not short of attacking talent, Martins has the best goals-to-games ratio for the Super Eagles with 17 goals in 31 appearances. The Wolfsburg man scored the goal that took Nigeria to the tournament and, having played in Serie A and the Premier League before his stint in Germany, he is used to coming up against the very best.

Key battle: Javier Mascherano v Haruna Lukman, a 19-year-old who plays his club football for Monaco, faces the task of replacing John Obi Mikel in the Nigeria midfield. Mikel plays a far more creative role for his national side than at Chelsea, so his replacement will need to be on top form to get the better of one of the game's greatest defensive midfielders and supply the attackers.

Trivia: Diego Maradona is the father-in-law of Argentina striker Sergio Aguero.

Stats: Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero were Argentina's leading scorers in qualification with four goals apiece. Gonzalo Higuain, Carlos Tevez and Martin Palermo each scored one.

Odds: Argentina (1.50), the draw (3.80), Nigeria (8.00) with Bet365. Carlos Tevez is at 6.00 for first or last goal-scorer.

Prediction: Argentina remain a difficult team to predict, given their wretched performances in qualifying and their wealth of talent available. Nonetheless, France reached the final four years ago despite difficulties with their coach and Maradona's men could surprise a few people in South Africa. Lagerback has had little time to work with his squad since taking over in February and, with John Obi Mikel ruled out through injury, Argentina should come out with a win.

England v United States
Group C, 18:30 GMT, June 12, 2010

Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa

When England entered their first World Cup in 1950, they went down to a famous 1-0 defeat at the hands of the amateurs of USA in a match that became known as the 'Miracle on Grass'.


The game has come a long way in America since that match and, while most firmly expect an England victory in Rustenburg on Saturday, an upset would hardly be viewed as miraculous.

England have mixed feelings going into the 2010 tournament. While Fabio Capello has turned the team around following the failure to qualify for Euro 2008, winning all but one of his competitive matches, the disjointed performances in the warm-up games for South Africa have done little to inspire confidence.

USA, though, have also struggled to convince during their warm-up matches, and it is largely the memories of last year's 2-0 victory over Spain in the Confederations Cup that will provide hope of a win in what represents a huge match for both countries.

"For the last six months, all we've seen is US-England, so if you're a casual sports fan at home you might think this is the World Cup final," USA star Landon Donovan said in his press conference ahead of the game. "We're not like Brazil where if they don't win the World Cup soccer is still the biggest thing in anyone's mind, but this is a great opportunity to grow the sport."

USA could adopt a 4-5-1 formation for the match with Jozy Altidore as a lone striker, with Japan enjoying success against England using the same formation as they dominated the midfield battle. With Donovan and Clint Dempsey out wide, the tactic would not be overly defensive.

England have largely used 4-4-2, and a change seems unlikely at this stage, but it was only when Joe Cole was brought on as a substitute against Japan that England were able to compete in the middle, so Capello's hand may be forced.

USA coach Bob Bradley has said all 23 players in his squad are ready to play the full 90 minutes, although Oguchi Onyewu's lack of match practice in recent months remains a concern. For England, Gareth Barry's absence could prove problematic given the lack of an alternative holding midfielder in the squad.

England player in focus: Aaron Lennon. England's right winger has often been central to hopes of unlocking opposition defences and, while Joe Cole should offer creativity from the left, Lennon could become the focus if his team struggle. He'll come up against an experienced opponent in USA captain Carlos Bocanegra, the former Fulham man who now plays in Ligue 1 with Rennes, so Fabio Capello will hope the Tottenham man can rediscover his pre-injury form on the big stage.

USA player in focus: Landon Donovan. This pacy attacker is very much the star of the USA team and he can provide a real threat out wide, frequently swapping flanks with Fulham's Clint Dempsey. The English defenders will be fully aware of his capabilities following his loan stint with Everton earlier this year, and Ashley Cole may be a little wary of facing the man whose tackle nearly ruled him out of the tournament. If Donovan gets a chance to play on the left flank, Glen Johnson will need to curtail his natural instinct to support the attack.

Key battle: Wayne Rooney v Oguchi Onyewu. Rooney finally ended an international goal drought with his strike in the warm-up match against Platinum Stars, but he may have the chance to really kick-start his England career on Saturday. USA centre back Onyewu, the former Newcastle loanee, joined AC Milan from Standard Liege last summer but made just one appearance in Serie A after suffering a knee injury on international duty. USA coach Bob Bradley believes Onyewu is fit to play the full 90 minutes but, as he has not appeared in any of the warm-up games, it is essential that he gets back up to speed from the off.

Trivia: England boss Fabio Capello gave USA coach Bob Bradley some help and insights into the world of management during his time at AC Milan in the 1990s.

Stats: Wayne Rooney was involved in more goals than any other player in Europe during the qualification campaign, with nine goals and five assists. USA have not kept a clean sheet in a World Cup finals match since beating England 1-0 in 1950.

Odds: England (1.50), the draw (4.20), USA (7.00) with Bet365. USA are 15.00 to win 1-0, which could be worth a flutter.

Prediction: USA showed they are capable of causing shocks in the Confederations Cup last year, and their experience in South Africa may give them an advantage in terms of adapting to the altitude. However, England are firm favourites for the match and should have enough to clinch a victory.

Full-time - 90'
South Korea
2 - 0
Greece

Group B, 11:30 GMT, June 12, 2010

MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Park Chu-Young - Park caused plenty of problems for Greece playing as the lone striker for South Korea. He may have wasted a gilt-edged opportunity when heading over from Cha Du-Ri's pinpoint cross, but Greece can only wish to have a player of such influence in their forward line.

South Korea verdict: Many pundits' tip to be the surprise package in South Africa, an accomplished and stylish display will enhance their credentials and make them firm favourites to advance from the group alongside Argentina. A physically fit and adventurous team, they have progressed immeasurably from the side which reached the semi-finals in 2002 on the back of a wave of public support.

Greece verdict: Greece under Otto Rehhagel had a proud reputation as being a strong, resolute side that is strong and organised at the back. Without that, they are nothing, as proved by this abject display. The team looked bereft of ideas, lacked organisation and had no idea in the final third of the pitch. Scoring a goal in this World Cup could prove to be a minor miracle for Greece.

Could do better: Angelos Charisteas and Giorgos Karagounis were crucial players when Greece won Euro 2004, but now they look every day of their 30 and 33 years respectively. Ineffectual and off the pace, both players were substituted, Karagouonis at half-time and Charisteas on the hour, and Rehhagel may have to think again ahead of the next game against Nigeria.

Stat attack: Excluding Euro 2004, which they won, Greece have lost ten of their last 12 games at international tournaments, scoring only twice and conceding 23 goals.
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The result, the first victory of the 2010 finals, extended a miserable World Cup record for Greece, who have yet to score a goal or earn a point in the history of the competition.

Huh Jung-moo's side ultimately ran out comfortable winners in front of an army of their delighted fans among a crowd of 31,513 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Coach Otto Rehhagel had warned his players in advance to beware South Korea's panther-like qualities, and by the time he got them back into the dressing room at the break, he will have been relieved they had not been mauled further.

It took Korea just seven minutes to get their noses in front in the Group B encounter when Lee met Celtic midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng's swinging free-kick unopposed and volleyed it gleefully into the back of the net.

Greece's woes might have increased further with Bolton's Lee Chung-Yong astonished not to be awarded a 15th-minute penalty for a clumsy challenge from behind by full back Vasilis Torosidis as referee Michael Hester waved play on.

But it would have been 2-0 with 28 minutes gone had defender Avraam Papadopoulos not got in a last-ditch challenge on striker Park Chu-Young as he shot to allow keeper Alexandros Tzorvas to make a vital block.

Greece had started the game brightly, Torosidis firing wide when he met skipper Georgios Karagounis' second-minute corner with an instinctive half-volley, but it was largely downhill from there.

The anticipated aerial onslaught never materialised as central defenders Lee Jung-Soo and Cho Yong-Hyung coped admirably with front two Theofanis Gekas and Angelos Charisteas. By contrast, Korea were enterprising in their movement and strikers Park Chu-Young and Yeom Ki-Hun, with support from a fluid midfield quartet, kept the Greek defence at full stretch.

They increased their lead within seven minutes of the restart when Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung made the most of Loukas Vyntra's woeful control in the middle of the park to race in on goal, leaving the central defender and partner Papadopoulos for dead before sliding a shot across Tzorvas and into the bottom corner.

Rehhagel, who had replaced Karagounis with Christos Patsatzoglou at the break, withdrew Charisteas and Georgios Samaras in quick succession and asked Dimitrios Salpingidis and Pantelis Kapetanos to find a way back into the game.

However, Park Chu-Young headed just over from full back Cha Du-Ri's 63rd-minute cross as the Koreans threatened to run riot.

Gekas acrobatically fired high over after controlling a long ball well on his chest with 68 minutes gone and Salpingidis headed weakly at the keeper two minutes later with time fast running out for Greece.

The Hertha Berlin frontman forced a fine one-handed save from Jung with a left-foot shot on the turn with nine minutes remaining, but Yeom, Lee Chung-Yong and Kim Jung-Woo all went close at the other end as time ran down.

Full-time - 90'
Argentina
1 - 0
Nigeria
Group B, 14:00 GMT, June 12, 2010

Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa

Diego Maradona's World Cup debut as a coach ended in a victory as Lionel Messi started to demonstrate he could transform his club form at Barcelona to the world stage.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Vincent Enayama - Lionel Messi looked at his scintillating best at times but he was thwarted, along with a number of his team-mates, by the fantastic Enayama. The goalkeeper produced an incredible fingertip stop to deny Messi in the first half and also frustrated Gonzalo Higuain several times during the game.

Argentina verdict: Displayed their undeniable attacking talent, creating numerous chances and often cutting through Nigeria like a knife through butter - on another day it may have been 6-0, but the Albiceleste were profligate in front of goal. Argentina also looked defensively frail at times and a team with better counter attacking capabilities than Nigeria could have punished Diego Maradona's side.

Nigeria verdict: Surprisingly, given the tactically astute nature of Lars Lagerback, Nigeria failed to demonstrate any real game plan and looked to run out of ideas when they got the ball in the final third. Playing a zonal marking system against a side of Argentina's quality was suicidal and a shaky defence was fortunate not to have conceded more than one goal.

Could do better: Gonzalo Higuain. After a stunning season with Real Madrid, in which he scored 27 La Liga goals in 32 games, much had been expected of Higuain. But he flattered to deceive in this one - missing a number of good chances to put the game to bed and failing to justify his selection ahead of Champions League winner Diego Milito.

Stat attack: Nigeria have not scored a second half World Cup goal since June 28, 1998, when Tijani Babangida scored in the 78th minute of the Super Eagles' second round defeat to Denmark.


Gabriel Heinze headed in the only goal after five minutes but Messi, so often unable to reproduce the Nou Camp sparkle on national team duty, was his team's star. However he and his team-mates were unable to make the margin of victory a more convincing one as Vincent Enyeama in the Nigeria goal denied them time and again.

Whether Argentina could waste so many chances against better sides and get away with it remains to be seen, but for now Maradona must be satisfied to have put three points on the board in Group B.

Messi made a lively start and one mesmerising run from deep saw him ghost past three Nigeria defenders and pick out Gonzalo Higuain with a low cross, but the Real Madrid striker sidefooted an easy chance wide from close range. The Barcelona forward then had a goalbound curling shot tipped over by Enyeama.

But from the resulting corner Argentina went ahead, with five minutes played. Juan Sebastian Veron swung the ball in from the right and Marseille defender Heinze, running towards the penalty spot, sent a powerful diving header into the top left corner.

Messi was then allowed to cut in from the right, leaving Chinedu Obasi on his backside and his curling left-footed shot was destined for goal until Enyeama at full stretch parried it away.

Messi and Carlos Tevez were causing confusion for the Nigerians by taking turns to drop deep and move forward, and when the Manchester City man received the ball in a deeper position after 20 minutes his through-ball found Higuain bursting into the box but Enyeama dashed out to make the block.

Sani Kaita miscued an attempted volley wide for the Africans who stepped up the pressure for a short period. Neat passing from Dickson Etuhu and Ayegbeni Yakubu created an opening for Obasi but his low cross was just too far ahead of Yakubu as the Everton man tried to slot it home.

Messi again tested Enyeama to the limit with another curling effort destined for the right-hand corner of the goal but the goalkeeper stretched out his left hand to claw the ball away.

Walter Samuel headed a presentable chance over the top from a Veron corner six minutes into the second half and the Inter Milan defender almost released Angel Di Maria with a long ball but the Benfica man could not bring it under control.

Messi won a corner after a pacy dribble took him away from the Nigeria defence, with Chidi Odiah blocking his effort. A swift break at the other end saw substitute Obafemi Martins square the ball to Kaita, but his 30-yard shot was far too ambitious and sailed over.

The game was becoming more stretched and Tevez strode forward before picking out Messi, whose low left-footed shot was just wide and the Barca man then teed up Higuain, whose shot was again blocked by the ever-alert Enyeama.

Argentina's failure to kill the game off almost cost them as Peter Odemwingie played the ball inside to left-back Taye Taiwo, and his thunderous low effort had the beating of Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero but just skidded wide of the right post.

Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero then had to punch clear a shot from Martins as the 'Jabulani' World Cup ball threatened to make a mug of him with its changes of movement in the air.

It was clearly not going to be Messi's afternoon to score as Enyeama spread himself to block after a wonderful interchange with Di Maria as the game entered its final 10 minutes.

Nigeria could have levelled seconds later when Yakubu's cross from the right found substitute Kalu Uche, but the Almeria midfielder struggled to get over the ball and could not keep his left-footed shot down, and Yakubu drilled another shot over the top from long range with three minutes left. But it was Argentina's day as the early Heinze effort proved the difference.

Full-time - 90'
England
1 - 1
United States
Group C, 18:30 GMT, June 12, 2010

Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa

MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Emile Heskey - With all eyes on Wayne Rooney, Heskey took centre stage. A great lay-off for the opener, his physical strength caused the USA defence problems all night long and, although he should have scored when through one-on-one, his presence was a constant threat before he was subbed.

England verdict: After a whirlwind opening in which Steven Gerrard scored, James Milner was hauled off and then Ledley King was injured at half-time. They struggled to assert themselves in the second period and, despite some good chances to get the winner, could not break down the USA defence.

USA verdict: Hardly troubled the English defence in the first half, but a lucky goal roused the confidence. Jozy Altidore had a great chance to put them ahead, but they failed to test the defence much after that and will be happy with the point.

Could do better: Robert Green. Who else? It's a horrible moment for any goalkeeper when they are culpable for a goal, but Green's howler was inexcusable. His confidence came back a little after a wonderful save to deny Altidore in the second half, but expect him to be replaced for the next game.

Stat attack: Robert Green made four errors leading to goals in the 2009-10 Premier League season - more than any other player (and that includes Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski). James Milner made as many fouls as he had touches of the ball before subbed - two.


Steven Gerrard had given the Three Lions' World Cup campaign a flying start with a fourth-minute opener in Rustenburg.

England were holding that advantage until Green committed the kind of howler David Seaman, Paul Robinson and Scott Carson have all done down the years and allowed Clint Dempsey's harmless shot to slip through his fingers.

Capello could only watch on in horror and wonder why fate had dealt him such a shocking hand given he had preferred Green to David James and Joe Hart as his first-choice goalkeeper, dismissing the latter man for fear his inexperience would cost England in a similar manner to that the West Ham man actually did.

There was to be no atonement, even though England dominated at the end. And with one of his favourite sons, James Milner, hauled off after half an hour, Ledley King failing to return for the second half and his replacement Jamie Carragher getting himself badly exposed on more than one occasion, it will be an uncomfortable six days for Capello and his players before England try to rebuild their reputation against Algeria in Cape Town next Friday.

Capello resolved to start his World Cup campaign with Green in the problematic goalkeeping position and Milner on the left-hand side of midfield. Within three minutes he was wearing the broadest of smiles.

Glen Johnson and Frank Lampard were both involved in the initial stages of a move that ended with Emile Heskey doing what he does best, allowing a team-mate to score.

Usually it is with brawn. This time it was the silky touch of a delicate through ball for Gerrard, who had motored into the box. The new England skipper steadied himself, then tucked a precise finish under Tim Howard and raced away to the far corner flag pursued by a posse of ecstatic white shirts.

Rather than a majority of United States supporters, as had been suggested, the stadium was clearly packed with England fans, who celebrated with natural glee. Unfortunately, it was not long before the smiles turned to worried frowns.

England still kept creating chances. Lampard and Wayne Rooney tested Howard with a couple of speculative efforts, Steve Cherundolo turned away a teasing low cross from Aaron Lennon and Heskey almost got on the end of a Lennon ball into the six-yard area. But for all this, the United States were causing England a major headache.

They may have won the previous meeting so famously in 1950 but the stars and stripes boast a far more professional outfit these days and they quickly began to show how they reached the Confederations Cup final 12 months ago.

As so often, Landon Donovan was the architect of their best work, exposing Milner at the same time. Ill during the week, the Aston Villa man, one of Capello's favourites, was badly exposed and had already been booked for a foul on Cherundolo before he was replaced by Shaun Wright-Phillips.

The move was Capello's ruthless response to a growing number of threatening American attacks, the best of which provided an open goal for Jozy Altidore when he jumped for Donovan's free-kick, yet inexplicably missed the ball completely.

Another long-range Donovan effort had Green at full stretch before the moment that will be repeated so often and the West Ham goalkeeper has to live with for the rest of his life arrived.

Dempsey turned Gerrard neatly but was still 25 yards when he took aim. The new Jabulani ball made the effort worthwhile. There is no way it should have ended up in the net though.

Green could only bury his head in the ground as he came to terms with a fumbled attempt to save that ended with the ball slipping through his grasp and agonisingly out of reach as it bobbled over the line.

When England returned from an interval that must have included attempting to raise Green's spirits, King had been replaced by Carragher.

But any thought the Liverpool veteran would shore things up at the back was quickly dispelled as first he was booked for a foul on Robbie Findley, then he was left for dead by Altidore, which at least allowed Green to redeem himself with a fine save as he pushed the American's shot on to the post.

Prior to that, Heskey had failed to beat Howard having been sent through by Lennon. Heskey also wasted the last of three decent England chances; Lampard and Rooney did much better from much further out with the others as the Three Lions asserted themselves at the end without managing to fashion a winner.