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Télam. National News Agency of Argentina. June 12, 2010. Argentina, thanks to a header by Gabriel Heinze, defeated Nigeria1-0 at its inaugural game of the South Africa World Soccer Cup at Johannesburg on Saturday, as reported by Télam.
Heinze's goal was scored at six minutes of the first half time. The Argentine team was superior at all times to Nigeria, but did not play well, according to most commentators.
Lionel Messi, the Argentine ace, missed several opportunities, but anyhow was regarded as the best player in the field, together with Nigerian goalie Enyeama.
Coach Diego Armando Maradona at a press conference, said that "we produced very interesting attacks, but failed to score. But we managed to win, because often when a team misses so many goal opportunities, the game usually ends in a tie. The important thing is that we won and are now in the right track".
Sports commentator Víctor Hugo Morales said that Argentina had at least six goal opportunities it missed. "Argentina did not play as required to a champion, but I am sure that things shall improve in coming games", he said.
The Argentine defensive line was the weakest part of the team, agreed the commentators.
Argentina's next rival shall be South Korea next Thursday, also in Johannesburg. The South Koreans had earlier today defeated Greece 2-0.
A large number of Argentine fans filled a good part of the Ellis Park stadium displaying their blue and white flags, ribbons, caps and jackets.
Maradona embraced and kissed his players after the game, very relieved after 90 minutes of tension that kept him nervously walking and gesturing from one side to the other in front of the Argentine bench.
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