Maradona's Men Go Marching On

Argentina beat a defensive Greece side 2-0 to keep their 100% record at the 2010 World Cup intact thanks to goals from a pair of Martins - Demichelis and Palermo.

The pre-match permutations meant that Argentina could afford to lose to Greece as heavily as 3-0 because South Korea would have had to beat Nigeria by the same margin to stop them progressing. South Korea had to match Greece's result go through, as long as they didn't lose. If they were to lose, Greece would go through with a draw. However, if Nigeria beat South Korea and Greece lost, the Africans go through to the last sixteen.

The pitch was magnificent pre-kick off, resembling something like a carpet which suited Argentina's passing game as they dictated the proceedings of the game early on as Greece were reluctant to attack and understandably so. Argentina didn't get the early goal they desired which would have been frustrating for the Argentinians, who were having great success out wide as the Greeks were defending too centrally.

Maradona's son-in-law Sergio Aguero eventually came to life with a slaloming run and a change of pace which led to the first shot on target of the match. This was followed by a superb long-range effort from ex-Manchester United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron which was tipped over the bar from Greek goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas.

The Greeks eventually came out of their shell, probing the Argentine defence to no avail despite constant long-balls forward to Georgios Samaras looking potentially penetrative.

Konstantinos Katsouranis was the first player to be booked for a cynical foul on Aguero as the 22 year-old looked to get in behind the Greek defence. Aguero had another chance soon after but it was blocked by Loukas Vyntra after Tzorvas' error from Diego Milito's cross

After more than half an hour of constant Argentine pressure, you could sense that a goal was coming sooner rather than later. However, it did not come as Argentina couldn't get through the Greece backline centrally so they resorted to going down the wings and getting a lot of crosses in which the Greeks easily dealt with due to their superior height advantage over their opponents.

Set pieces looked to be Greece's best chance of goal but Argentine goalkeeper Romero came out and punched away well when under pressure and amidst a crowd of bodies.

In first half injury time Maxi Rodriguez brought a good save from Tzorvas after good build-up play in midfield from Lionel Messi, Veron, Aguero and Milito. Messi went close soon after with a curling effort from the edge of box, which was tipped over for corner. That was the last action of the half as both sides went into the break goalless. Greece looked comfortable in defence but Argentina were fancied to score in the second half.

Messi was being man-marked throughout the game to good effect but it was Greece who threatened first after the break with Samaras shooting wide when in a good position early on after beating Demichelis for pace.

Greece's plan was effective, similarly to that of Switzerland's game plan against both Spain and Chile, but they were showing little ambition to get forward and attack as Argentina continued to press. Clemente Rodriguez crossed in but Diego Milito was centimetres away from connecting with the header.

Argentina finally got their breakthrough through an unlikely source in centre half Martin Demichelis, who's header inadvertently hit Milito but was quick to get onto the rebound which he smashed into roof of net.

With the lead secured, Maradona took Milito off and replaced him with veteran Martin Palermo who scored with a quality finish after Messi hit the post following a sublime run. The goal doubled Argentina's lead and killed the game off.

As the game petered out the Argentine fans could be heard above the vuvuzelas as Greece were knocked out of the competition Argentina marched onto the last sixteen where they will play Mexico.