Heinze header takes Argentina past Nigeria

An early header from Gabriel Heinze got Argentina's FIFA World Cup campaign off to a winning start at the expense of Group B rivals Nigeria in Johannesburg.

The Olympique de Marseille defender dived unchallenged in the sixth minute to power Juan Verón's corner high into the net, despite the best efforts of Chidi Odiah on the goal line. Victory means the two-time winners of the competition trail Korea Republic – who defeated Greece 2-0 – on goal difference, though they would have topped the section were it not for a combination of wasteful finishing and inspired goalkeeping from Vincent Enyeama.

The impressive Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC No1 thwarted Lionel Messi on more than one occasion, while Gonzalo Higuaín – having directed an effort wide from close range moments before Heinze struck – was denied by a low, diving save after the break.

Having controlled proceedings for long periods, Diego Maradona's team were almost made to pay for their profligacy when substitute Kala Uche failed to keep Ayegbeni Yakubu's cutback down in the closing stages. Nigeria and Greece will aim for their first points when they meet on Thursday, after Argentina take on South Korea.