Review: Mexico v France, Argentina v South Korea, Nigeria v Greece

Mexico v France, Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Neither side really came out strong in the opening minutes. Each had a few chances, but nothing real promising. Halftime score: 0.0. Mexico came out much better in the 2nd half, while France still couldn't do much. Ribery was the only Frenchman really working and playing well. Then, Hernandez and Mexico beat France's offsides trap, and he rounded Lloris before passing the Jubulani ball into the back of the net. Not too long after that, Abidal made a very clumsy challenge, which put 37-year-old Blanco to the spot. A near-perfect penalty and Mexico were up 2. That is how the match would end: Mexico 2.0 France

Group A
Mexico and Uruguay are now both on 4 pts, and just need to draw each other for both to go to the Round of 16. France and South Africa both have 1 pt, so neither match can be a draw if either of them are to advance.

Argentina v South Korea, Soccer City, Johannesburg
Argentina started the match well, while South Korea didn't. In the 16th minute, an Argentina free kick was awarded on the corner of the area. Messi whipped it in, and it came off of Park Chu-Young's shin before going into the back of his own net. Tevez then came close from a set piece, but the 2nd goal came for Argentina in the 32nd. Higuain had a header at the back post. It appeared offsides, but it was a perfectly timed run, and Argentina were up 2. Just before the break though, a lapse in concentration defensively put in Lee Chung-Yong as he chipped Romero, putting the Koreans within one goal at half. In the 78th, Messi burst forward, played a give-and-go with Higuain, had a go, which was saved, and his rebound came off the woodwork and fell right to Higuain's feet, for a simple finish. 2 minutes later, a quick free kick taken by Messi in the defensive 3rd, put Argentina on a 3v2 counter. Leo Messi then got the ball on the edge of the box, and lofted the ball to Aguero, who then served a perfect ball to Higuain, who finally got his hatrick on a header, and he is now the scoring leader of the tournament. It was the highest scoring game so far, with 5 goals. Final: Argentina 4.1 South Korea

Nigeria v Greece, Free State Stadium, Bloemfentien
Nigeria came out stronger, Greece had no response. In the 16th, a free kick to Nigeria was swung in by Uche, and went through everyone, and into the back of the net. But Nigeria couldn't keep the lead until halftime though, because in the 44th minute, Salpigidis scored on a deflection. Halftime: 1.1. Nigeria were outworked in the 2nd 45, and in the 71st, Torosidis scored on a simple rebound. The match settled down and ended with the same scoreline after that. Nigeria 1.2 Greece

Group B
Argentina leads Group B with 6 pts, and have basically secured a place in the last 16, unless things go horribly wrong for them. South Korea is 2nd with 3 pts, because they have the head-to-head advantage on Greece, who also have 3. Nigeria are 4th, with no points, but were unfortunate not to have a point in at least one of their matches. Every side can still advance, but with Greece playing Argentina next, it looks like it will be Argentina and South Korea.