FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: Day 7 (17 June 2010)

ARGENTINA 4 - SOUTH KOREA 1

There was little doubt that Messi & Co will defeat Park & Co. The question was by how much. There was even a point in the game where the score could have been 2-2. The Argies worked hard for their impressive victory, and with some style too. Gonzalo Higuain's hattrick is the first of this World Cup. South Korea may still progress. Rating: 4/5

GREECE 2 - NIGERIA 1

After gifting the Super Eagles with an early lead from yet another dodgily defended free-kick, the Greeks fought back with tenacity. The collapse of Nigeria despite another good show by goalie Enyeama is symbolic of their problems. Can't see them beating the Koreans later. The first Africans to exit. Rating: 3/5

MEXICO 2 - FRANCE 0

The luck of the Irish has run out for Raymond Domenech, Thierry Henry and their charges. The team of French stars was plain woeful - no creativity, no flair, no effort and no luck. Mexico took their chances well, beating the offside trap and fishing a penalty, duly converted by the veteran Cauhtemoc Blanco. Rating: 3/5