Nigeria had their chances, primarily down the left where make-shift Argentine right-back Jonas Gutierrez was often exposed, but forward Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi was wasteful.

A vociferous Ellis Park crowd showed their appreciation for the entertainment on show, particularly that provided by Argentine forward Lionel Messi, who was the stand-out performer, creating opportunities for others and on a number of occasions drawing superb saves from impressive Super Eagles keeper Vincent Enyeama.

South Korea began their World Cup campaign with a confident victory over Greece in Port Elizabeth by beating them 2-0. The 2004 European champions rarely threatened a well-organised and extremely athletic display from South Korea, who impressed with goals in either half from Lee Jung-soo and Park Ji-sung.

Greece produced only two genuine attempts on goal while, in contrast, Huh Jung-moo's team should have won by a larger margin had Monaco striker Park Chu-young been more clinical in front of goal.

South Korea's comfortable 2-0 win over Greece in Group B's other fixture on Saturday means the winner of next Thursday's match between them and Argentina will be in pole position to qualify for the last 16.