Argentina Steamroll Past Koreans, Greeks Get Historic and Important Win, Les Blues On The Brink Of Elimination

Game 18: Argentina 4-1 South Korea

This match showcased the pure talent and class from Argentina's offence that you would have expected at the World Cup. Absolutely amazing at times when going forward. Left the Korean defence in sixes and sevens at times and probably should have won by a bigger margin to be honest. The Koreans weren't bad going forward themselves, especially in the second half, but their defence was average at best. They couldn't stop Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, and Gonzalo Higuain from creating havoc. Argentina now only need a draw against Greece to top their group and I expect Diego Maradona to give his fringe players a chance to shine. South Korea, meanwhile, meet Nigeria in a do-or-die match. Whoever wins will almost certainly qualify for the Second Round as I don't see Greece beating Argentina. Man of the Match: Gonzalo Higuain (scored a real poacher's hat-trick and his movement off the ball was good, made up for the chances he missed in the first game against Nigeria; currently top scorer, so, good for him)

Game 19: Greece 2-1 Nigeria

From the start, I knew Greece were going to struggle to get a goal. And when Nigeria scored, I thought the Greeks are on the way out of the World Cup. A very stupid sending off for Nigeria's Sani Kaita just after half an hour proved to be the turning point. Credit to the Greek side's tactics after the sending off as they took off a defender and put in a striker to go for the win. Got a lucky first goal and for a long time I thought Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama was going to deny the Greeks that important second goal. He was spectacular in goal, keeping out the Greeks with a few great saves but as we've seen quite often at this year's World Cup, a goalkeeping error led to a goal. It was so unfortunate that it had happened to the best goalkeeper of the tournament by far - now he's only going to be remembered for making the error instead of making superb saves in both matches that he has played. If Nigeria beat the South Koreans and Greece lose to Argentina, though, Nigeria will make it through and all would be forgotten. But first, the Nigerians need to show better discipline and better finishing if they are to win their next match. Greece got lucky with the sending off today and played extremely well after that but I don't expect them perform the way they did today against Argentina let alone win the game. Man of the Match: Vincent Enyeama (apart from his error, he was once again outstanding and had a brilliant save in the second half which was, at this stage, the best save of the tournament; his performance kept his side in the tournament because in my opinion, goal difference will play a big part in this group)

Game 20: France 0-2 Mexico

Once again the French were uninspiring. Very poor while going forward. They have no creative spark in midfield and star Franck Ribery is having a miserable tournament by his standards. Mexico, on the other hand, totally deserve their win and showed intent to score while going forward. Although their first goal was a rather touch-and-go decision by the linesman, their determination and effort in the game were rewarded by their opposition's lack of commitment throughout the game. Mexico meet Uruguay next in what could be a match where both teams just play out a draw so that both teams progress while France would have to go all out against the hosts and hope for the best. Man of the Match: Carlos Salcido (did very well down the left flank where the French defence struggled to contain his marauding runs and had 2 decent shots at goal as well)