World Cup 2010: Gonzalo Higuain Scores Three, Argentina Brush Aside South Korea

The world watched on Thursday as Argentina lit up the 2010 World Cup with an attacking performance that left South Korea chasing shadows.

After the Germans dispatched of Australia 4-0 on Sunday, none of the other big teams really hit full steam going forward, including the likes of Argentina, England, Spain and Brazil.

Argentina though, who won their first game 1-0 against Nigeria on Saturday thanks to Gabriel Heinze’s early header, hit top form against South Korea as Gonzalo Higuain scored the first hat-trick of the tournament.

South Korea had beaten Greece 2-0 in the early game on Saturday with a very confident performance, but the 2002 semi-finalists were no match for the likes of Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Higuain.

Argentina started well, but without creating any real chances. That all changed on 16 minutes when, Messi’s free kick hit the knee of Park Chu-Young and went straight past Jung Sung-Ryong.

15 minutes later and Higuain made it 2-0. A quick free kick involving the inspirational Messi, and Maxi Rodriguez, was flicked on by Nicolas Burdisso, who had replaced the injured Walter Samuel after 23 minutes.

Higuain was unmarked at the back post and headed the ball past Chu-Ryong, who should have done better.

Albiceleste continued to dominate possession, without being able to create any clear cut chances with Benfica midfielder Angel Di Maria showing why he has attracted the attention of mega-bucks Manchester City.

Di Maria forced a fantastic flying stop from Chu-Ryong before Messi’s audacious chip went narrowly wide of the post.

Just before half time, the game sparked into life. Bayern Munich defender Martin Dimichelis was caught napping on the ball by Lee Chung-Yong, who calmly placed the ball over Sergio Romero.

South Korea, boosted by the goal, didn’t give Argentina any time on the ball after the restart and should have drawn level.

Yeom Ki-Hun was left one on one with Romero after a superb wall from Chung-Yong, but failed to find the target.

Ki-Hun and South Korea were made to pay as Argentina showed just why they are one of the best counter attacking teams in the tournament. Messi linked up with substitute Sergio Aguero, who had replaced Tevez, and was unlucky not to score himself.

His first shot was saved well by Chu-Ryong with his left leg, and Messi’s second came back off the post, only to fall to Higuain, who scored one of the easiest goals he will ever score from just two yards out.

Higuain completed his hat-trick after more good work from Messi and Aguero. This time Aguero looped the ball onto the head of Higuain who headed back across the keeper.

Argentina face Greece, who beat Nigeria 2-1, on Tuesday, knowing a point will be enough to send them into the next round. Diego Maradona, will be without Newcastle winger Jonas Guiterrez, who picked up his second yellow card of the tournament.

For now though, although there are defensive frailties, the score more than you attitude enforced by Maradona, will continue to be used as they look to finish the group with maximum points.