Argentina Struts Its Stuff

Argentina Struts Its StuffJohannesburg, Jun 17. -Higuain's hat-trick confirmed what Argentina is made of; they defeated South Korea 4-1 and classified for the Round of 16 in the 2010 South Africa World Cup.

The Argentines controlled the Jabulani (ball's name) with elegance from the very beginning, while the Asian team played back constantly.

The first Argentine goal was a combination, a left-footed shot from Angel Di Maria from inside the area and Park Chu Young scored an own goal favoring Argentina. Gonzalo Higuain topped out on a counter, taking advantage of the loss of the ball by the South Koreans.

The Asian team tried to score with a long shot by Ki Sung-Yueng, which grazed the top of the goal.

Argentina, world champion in 1978 and 1986, remained firmly planted and did not give the South Koreans the opportunity of approaching the goal line, defended by Sergio Romero.

Carlos Tevez attempted a free kick from 30 meters and the ball touched the top of the crossbar.

Argentina scored its second goal with a well-armed and tested play. A center by Maxi Rodriguez skimmed Burdisso's head and Higuain's turned it into goal.

The blue-and-white team got overconfident, and Lee Chung Yong took advantage of the error by defender Martin Demichelis to score for his team.

At 47 minutes, a good play involving Messi and Higuain did not manage to finish within the area and place in corner. Later, Di Maria assisted Higuain, who made his shot from near the South Korean goalkeeper.

The Argentine offensive continued its game, led by Higuain and Messi, and soon achieved the third goal in the 76th minute, with the entry of from Sergio "Kun" Aguero (who replaced Tevez in 75').

Then in another beautiful action, Higuain scored a hat-trick with his head after a great pass from Kun and Messi's brilliant play.

Argentina showed what it is made of; its quality as a team is tied to that of its forwards. It is the first country to qualify for the Round of 16. (Prensa Latina)