If they get fed up of Tequila the Mexico players will always find the Guiness lined up for them in Ireland. The South American teams are getting into their stride and that will please their large number of followers here in Tenerife.
Argentina 4, South Korea 1
It’s tough enough facing an on fire Messi but Hiquain showed he is a force too with a snappy hat trick. The opening goal was unfortunate for Korea, Messi flighted a free kick in and Park-Chu Young tried to clear the threat but headed into his net. Messi was rampant and on the half hour set up Burdisso who flicked the ball on for Hiquain to head a 2-0 lead. Fair play to Korea they kept plugging away and just before the break Lee Chung-Yong of Bolton Wanderers took advantage of a Dimichells mistake to pull one back.
Argentina turned up the brightness in the second half and weaved more of their magic. Messi was denied by first the keepers leg and then the post but the second rebound was turned in by Hiquain. The final goal had a sublime build up featuring Messi, Aguero and finally Hiquain for his hat trick.
Greece 2, Nigeria 1
How to throw away a game. Nigeria wasted an Kalu Uche free kick goal after 16 minutes, the big turning point came on the half hour as Sani Kaita kicked out at Vasileios and got a red card. Greece saw their chance and chased the game, first blood was drawn after 44 minutes when Salpingidis shot got a lucky deflection to level.
Torosidis was the hero with a winner after Nigeria keeper Enyeama found a shot too hot to handle. nigeria played some good football with former Leeds and Portsmouth striker Yakubu showing glimpses of his younger days. A special mention to Nigeria defender Danni Shittu, not because he was particularly good but because his name makes me laugh like a silly schoolboy.
Mexico 2, France 0
Poor in their 0-0 draw with Uruquay, France had to be better, but were worse. At least they created chances in the first half, Malouda created a clear chance from a free kick but Ribery could only put it wide. Anelka was having another quiet game and was taken off at half time, while for Mexico Spurs Giovanni missed a few and full back Salcido was a constant menace.
Mexico looked much more interested in the second half and Hernandez beat a desperate offside trap and easily rounded keeper Lloris for a 1-0 lead. France still didn’t respond and Barrera was bearing down on the French goal when he was upended leaving Blanco to finish off the French from the penalty spot. Even a win in their last game, against South Africa may not save the former champions, and their notorious in fighting will no doubt be fuelled by this poor showing.
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