Matchday 7

Argentina – South Korea (4-1)

After having made my maiden trip to Soweto for this match, I must say that Soccer City is simply a stunning stadium. Having only just arrived during the anthems due to a late train, I was awestruck upon entering the cauldron. Argentina’s fans are colorful, passionate and fervent. The stadium was blue and white all over, with a dash of red from Korea’s fans.

The match itself was predictable – Leo Messi finally shining for Argentina. And shine he did. While Higuain scored 3 goals, the match belonged to Messi as his golden feet provided the guile behind the victory.

Korea’s only goal was as a result of an Argentina lapse at the back, showing that this will be the weakness for them moving forwards. Korea had a huge chance to level after the break and that missed chance proved the turning point in the match. After that, it was all Argentina.

A wonderfully colorful match to attend, possibly the best match of the tournament so far up to this point.

Nigeria – Greece (1-2)

I was in transit home from Soccer City for the duration of the match, but upon hearing the result was very disappointed for the Nigerians. They simply continue to astound as they beat their own records for underperforming.

Because Korea got thumped, the goal difference is in favor of the Nigerians and they actually just need to beat Korea to advance (provided the Greeks don’t nick a point off Argentina).

The red card by Keita is shocking and simply unacceptable for it completely turned the game. A real shame for the Nigerians, but I can’t say I’m surprised.
Credit to the Greeks for scoring their first two World Cup goals and best wishes to them in facing the Argentina machine in their next match.

Mexico – France (2-0)

After just speaking about an underachieving Nigeria, you can only imagine there is only one way to go with France. They are absolutely shocking. They do not want to play for Domenech and it has been obvious since Euro 2008. What a nightmare as they have literally crashed and burned in ignomy this tournament. I hope Bafana beat them and the French go home without a point or goal in the disgrace they deserve.

Mexico bossed this game and their young strikers have shown their pedigree so far. They will be desperate to beat Uruguay and avoid Argentina in the knockout round. Or will they? They certainly hung with the Argentines during their knockout game in 2006, before succumbing to Maxi Rodriguez’s wonder goal.

Takeaway from Matchday 7: Argentina lay an early claim to being the team to beat. Messi finally has that breakout game we’ve been waiting for. Both France and Nigeria underperform, but is it really underperforming if you expected it?