2010 FIFA World Cup Group B


Group B of the 2010 FIFA World Cup began on 12 June and ended on 31 June 2010. The group consisted of Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea and Greece.
In the 1986 World Cup, Argentina and Korea Republic were in the same Group A; Argentina won 3–0. In the 1994 World Cup, three of these teams were in the same Group D along with Bulgaria. Nigeria, Argentina and Bulgaria qualified for the second round, where Nigeria and Argentina lost their next matches to Italy and Romania, respectively, with Bulgaria reaching the semi-finals. In the 2002 World Cup, Argentina and Nigeria were both drawn into Group F; Argentina won 1–0, a result that was repeated in 2010. And Argentina and Korea Republic were advanced to the knockout stage.

Standings

All times local

South Korea vs Greece

Korea took the lead after seven minutes, with Ki Sung-yong's free kick near the corner flag being inadvertently flicked on by Kostas Katsouranis, before an onrushing Lee Jung-soo shot in the ball. Korea extended their lead through captain Park Ji-sung who tackled Loukas Vyntra and sprinted all the way to score. Korea held on to win 2-0.

Argentina vs Nigeria

On six minutes, an unmarked Gabriel Heinze dived forward to head Juan Sebastián Verón's corner kick. Argentine Lionel Messi had numerous chances following that, but on each occasion Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama was able to keep the margin down to one. Enyeama's saves earned him the man of the match award. Post-match, Argentine coach Diego Maradona said he was confident his side would perform well in the future.

Argentina vs South Korea

Argentina took the lead when Lionel Messi's free kick from the left was turned into the Korean goal by Korean player Park Chu-young. A free kick was awarded on the left, and Messi's cross was headed in by Gonzalo Higuaín. In first half injury time, Korea cut the deficit when Lee Chung-yong tackled Martín Demichelis to score. Two goals from Argentina in the second half sealed a 4-1 win. Messi's shot was first saved by goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong; his second shot hit the post before Higuaín shot the ball into an unguarded net. Higuaín completed his hat-trick by heading in a cross from substitute Sergio Agüero.

Greece vs Nigeria

Nigeria vs South Korea

Greece vs Argentina