World Cup - Group B decided

Argentina progress in first gear, South Korea hold on for draw against Nigeria

South Korea join Argentina in last 16 after one of the worst misses that the World Cup has ever seen. Everton striker Yakubu was two yards out, straight in front of goal, no goalkeeper to beat, and somehow managed to put the ball outside the post. It's a cliche but it really looked easier to score.

Minutes later, Yakubu showed steel to slot home a penalty to tie the match 2-2, but with his team needing a win to progress, it will be hard for him to forget that miss.

South Korea move on to the next stage for only the second time - the last was when they hosted the tournament in 2002. Lee Jung-Soo and Park Chu-young were the scorers for Korea. Their players shed tears of joy before leaving the pitch in Durban.

Argentina didn't have to leave first gear to beat Greece 2-0. The goals came from Martin Demichilis and 36 year old subsitute Martin Palermo. For long periods, Greece were still in with a chance of progressing by getting a draw but it really never looked likely. Argentina now face Mexico, South Korea face Uruguay in the last 16.

World Cup Day Seven

France need a miracle

Mexico beat France 2-0, leaving Raymond Domenech's men with just one point heading into the final group games. Mexico look on course to progress along with Uruguay - they both need just a draw when they meet each other next week. But France must hope there is a result in that match, and that they beat South Africa - or it's another embarrassing exit for the 1998 champions. One of the Mexican goal-scorers Javier Hernandez signed for Manchester United before the tournament - it looks like Alex Ferguson knows what he's doing.

Greece in first ever World Cup win

Their country may be bankrupt, but Greek spirits were lifted by their first ever World Cup win. They came from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1. The Africans finished the match with just ten men - midfielder Kaita got a straight red card in the middle of the first half. By then Nigeria were 1-0 up, but the Greeks drew level just before the break. And Torisidos was the hero when he poked home the winner on 71 minutes. What a disappointing tournament for the Nigerians.

Argentina hit their stride

The tournament favourites eased past South Korea with a 4-1 win that was never in doubt. They took the lead on 17 minutes when a Messi free-kick was deflected into the goal. And then Gonzalo Higuan added a hat-trick - the first on 33 minutes, and two in the space of four minutes in the last 15 minutes of the game.

World Cup Day Two

Highlights of Day Two:

1 Green Fingers

A ridiculous mistake from England keeper Robert Green gifts USA a 1-1 draw in the tournament opener. There was so much uncertainty around who was going to play in goal, but David James must be wondering why he wasn't number one now! If only his name didn't lend itself to Calamity James headlines. Mind you, don't thing the UK tabloids will have too much trouble finding ways to put Robert Green's name to good use!


2 Heinze header

Brilliant headed goal gives Argentina and Diego Maradona the start they wanted. Messi looking good too - surely they're going all the way! What is Maradona up to on the sidelines? Hilarious to watch his antics - not sure any of the players know what he's trying to communicate.





3 Korea Impressive

An impressive start from South Korea, with a 2-0 win over Greece. They are always pretty good, and always forgotten about - but they could make it to quarter finals on this performance





Low point: Fog Horns - the constant din of fog horns at every match is already annoying me on Day Two. It means you can't really hear the normal ebb and flow atmosphere that should be part of watching a footbal match.