Messi's Argentina win to put Greece out

Argentina broke Greece's resistance 13 minutes from time through center back Martin Demichelis who blasted the ball into the net after his header from a corner was partially blocked.

Messi made the second goal for Martin Palermo who tucked away the rebound in the 89th minute after his skipper dribbled into the area and saw his shot parried by Alexandros Tzorvas.

Argentina completed their third successive victory to finish top of the group with a maximum nine points and will play Mexico at Johannesburg's Soccer City in the second round on Sunday.

South Korea, who drew 2-2 with Nigeria in the other group game in Durban, will play Uruguay on Saturday in Port Elizabeth. They finished on four points ahead of 2004 European champions Greece with three and and the Nigerians with just one.

Argentina coach Diego Maradona, who made seven changes to the side that trounced South Korea five days ago including resting usual captain Javier Mascherano, as usual danced with delight at the end of the match in celebration.

Before making the second goal Messi, who became Argentina's youngest World Cup captain two days short of his 23rd birthday, had two efforts tipped away by Tzorvas who had a busy night.

The goalkeeper, who saved twice from Sergio Aguero in the first half, also stopped an effort from point-blank range by midfielder Mario Bolatti at a corner with 21 minutes to go.

Messi was kept in tight check by the man-marking of Socratis Papastathopoulos, and was rarely able to show off his skills.

Greece forward Giorgos Samaras had a good chance early in the second half on the left of the box but was wide of the far post with their first shot at goal after a sterile first half; Kazinform cites The Arab News.

See www.arabnews.com for full version