JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 12 (UPI) -- Gabriel Heinz got the game's only goal, scoring in the sixth minute to lift Argentina to a 1-0 decision over Nigeria Saturday in World Cup Group B play.
Heinz got the marker on a header off a corner kick from Juan Veron at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, handing Diego Maradona a victory in his first World Cup game as Argentina's coach.
Argentina's Lionel Messi had enough good chances to for a hat trick but missed several of them and was stopped by Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama in other opportunities.
Nigeria was lethargic on offense until the final 20 minutes. Taye Taiwo and Kalu Uche both had excellent chances to net the tying goal from within the penalty area but their attempts were off the mark.
South Korea downed Greece 2-0 in Group B earlier Saturday, leaving South Korea and Argentina atop the group with three points each.
