So intimidating is Argentina's reputation that it now fetches goals. Nigeria nearly paid for their fear to tackle Lionel
Messi. South Korea did for trying to wrestle Argentina in their backyard.
And it wasn't just Messi they had to hustle. The Flea buzzed all right but from behind Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain. Messi contributed to all four goals and once in each half, snaked past South Koreans making them chase a crooked shadow.
But two wins into this World Cup, Argentina showed that even though it radiates far and wide, they aren't all about the brilliance of Messi. Non-believers of coach Diego Maradona's comment that he had a wonderfully talented group behind Messi should have seen his son-in-law Sergio Aguero, Angel di Maria, Tevez and Higuain play.
Somewhat overshadowed by one man's magic against Nigeria, they dazzled on a bright but cold and windy afternoon. If South Korea were outwitted and outplayed it was because Argentina's passes embroidered the Soccer City turf, their swift runs, sudden breaks and clinical finishing finally gave this World Cup a dose of quality it so desperately needed.
Early physical aggression seemed the only way South Korea wanted to contain them. Yeom Ki Hun was booked for a challenge on Messi and, twice in a minute, Oh Beom Seok tried grappling Di Maria off the ball. The second offence led to a free-kick and an own goal after Martin Demichelis headed Messi's free-kick into the legs of Lee Chun Young.
Di Maria was scythed again on the right and Tevez's blast from a cheeky free-kick just went over. A strong run from Tevez and Higuain's attempt to connect with a scissors-kick didn't work before Tevez won another free-kick. It led to goal No. 2, Messi playing it for Maxi Rodrigues whose drive was headed square by Burdisso for Higuain to head home.
None of Higuain's goals reflected the Argentine masterclass performance though the build-ups did. Higuan's second was more of a tribute to Messi, the tap-in following a super run from the wizard during which he skipped two challenges. The hattrick was completed by another header after Messi scooped for Aguero, who fired a cross from the left.
{{/usCountry}}None of Higuain's goals reflected the Argentine masterclass performance though the build-ups did. Higuan's second was more of a tribute to Messi, the tap-in following a super run from the wizard during which he skipped two challenges. The hattrick was completed by another header after Messi scooped for Aguero, who fired a cross from the left.
{{/usCountry}}Demichelis's blunder, which Lee Chung Yong exploited with a smart flick, could have been a lifeline for South Korea and had Yeom Ki Hun kept his left-footer on target, the match could have warmed into contest.
But by the time Park Ji-sung's effort hit the post, South Korea had been steamrollered by a symphony of skills orchestrated by a man who still loves the feel of a football. Remember the flick from the technical area?