Herbert Rachuene Local and foreign soccer fans braced the cold and converged on the Peter Mokaba Stadium in masse on Tuesday evening to see some of the world’s best soccer players in action. Argentina’s 2-0 victory and subsequent qualification for the round of 16 came as no surprise after they beat Nigeria 1-0 and thrashed South Korea 4-1 in their other Group B matches. Captained by the reigning Fifa World Player of the Year Lionel Messi, Argentina’s attack was even more superior than expected and with long serving Juan Veron being the catalyst in the midfield, Greece was nowhere to be seen. Coach Diego Maradona rested other key players such as Gonzalo Higuan who plays for Real Madrid, Javier Mascherano and the ever sizzling Carlos Tavez. In the second half Maradona’s men found the back of net courtesy of Bayern Munich defender Martin Demichelis. The 1-0 deficit brought a sudden spark to the Greek side. Georgios Samaras struck the only shot from their side offering little challenge to goalkeeper Sergio Romero who had a very quiet evening. Substitute Martin Palermo of Boca Juniors left it late to score a scorcher of a goal in the 88th minute to give Argentina an emphatic win. Neither the Greek gods nor the hundreds of supporters could save Greece from being clinically outmuscled by the mighty Argentina. At the post match conference Messi said it felt good to lead his team to victory. "I did not worry much about scoring, because I knew we would win the match. Once again it was a good feeling to take responsibility and lead my country to victory," the dribbling wizard said. The Albiceleste will face fellow Latin Americans, Mexico at a venue and date to be announced. "Mexico is a great team, they have the indentity, but they must respect my country and my players," said Maradona.
