GROUP B
▲Argentina
▲Nigeria
Argentina coach Diego Maradona was the mastermind behind the goal that gave them a 1-0 World Cup win over Nigeria, midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron said.
Veron landed a corner close to the penalty area from where unmarked defender Gabriel Heinze powered a diving header into the roof of the net in the sixth minute.
“Diego prepared [the move] and we practised [with Heinze] for a couple of hours,” the 35-year-old told reporters after Saturday’s Group B win at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
“[Nigeria] mark in zone, but bunched inside [the box] leaving a very big hole [near the edge]. And it came off at the first attempt,” Veron said.
“El Gringo [Heinze] did very well,” said former Manchester United star Veron, who must get over a minor leg muscle injury if he is to line up against South Korea in Argentina’s second match at Soccer City on Thursday.
“We’ll do everything we can so I can be there [against South Korea]. I think I’ll make it,” said Veron, who came off 16 minutes from time on Saturday.
Lionel Messi said he was delighted to have played a major role in Argentina’s win.
Although he did not score, he was full of running and gave the Nigerian defense a torrid time.
Only outstanding saves by Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama denied him a goal and Messi told reporters afterwards he was happy overall.
“It is important to get off to a winning start while playing good football,” Messi said.
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