Argentina played like potential world champions as they demolished South Korea 4-1 with an outstanding all-round display highlighted by a hat-trick from Gonzalo Higuain at Soccer City on Thursday.
The victory, following their impressive opening 1-0 win over Nigeria on Saturday, virtually guaranteed their place in the second round as they tightened their grip at the top of Group B.
Higuain's hat-trick, the first at these finals, comprised two headers plus a tap-in. It was also the first by an Argentine player in the World Cup since Gabriel Batistuta scored thrice against Jamaica in 1998.
Born in that northwestern corner of Brittany, Higuain was eligible to play for France and their coach Raymond Domenech showed an interest. However, his father and brothers -- including Argentina-based first division forward Federico -- helped him confirm to himself that he felt Argentine and wanted to play in the light blue and white stripes.
"It makes me happy to win and to do something for the team," said the modest Higuain, who missed two chances he would have put away with his eyes closed in the Spanish league season, in Argentina's 1-0 win over Nigeria in Johannesburg on Saturday.
"We deserved to win and we will continue to play in our style," the striker added.
Maradona had overlooked Higuain for a long time even when he was in brilliant form for Real Madrid. The coach was sceptical about the striker's commitment to Argentina after he had turned down the chance to play for the under-20s at the 2007 Youth World Cup.
However, with the noose around his neck as Argentina struggled in the qualifiers, the talismanic coach called up Higuain for the last two in October and "Pipita" did not disappoint with two good performances and a goal.
On Thursday, the striker again proved his worth as Argentina, seeking a third title after triumphs in 1978 and 1986, produced a show that was well worth the entrance fee and is one no-one should miss in the weeks ahead.
The only serious mistake came just before halftime when defender Martin Demichelis, who otherwise had a fine game, failed to control a simple ball from which Korea scored.
Apart from that, Maradona's side played with a silky confidence and authority the Koreans could not handle.
After going 2-0 behind inside 33 minutes, Korea came back into the game with the last kick of the first half when Lee Chung-yong capitalised on Demichelis's mistake to make it 2-1.
However, in the 58th minute South Korea winger Yeom Ki-hun should have made it 2-2 when he fired wide with only goalkeeper Sergio Romero to beat after a swift Korean counter-attack.
That was their last chance, though, as Argentina tightened their grip on the game and powered through for victory.
The opening goal after 17 minutes was lucky as the ball bounced off Park Chu-young's shin like a bullet and into his own net giving Jung Sung-ryong no chance of saving.
Argentina doubled their lead when Higuain eluded the defence to pick his spot with a header 16 minutes later.
After Lee made it 2-1, Argentina were forced to dig deep to keep their noses in front and their reward duly came after 76 minutes when Higuain made it 3-1 with a tap-in.
It came after a brilliant run from Messi ended with his shot hitting the post and bouncing back to Higuain who poked it into an empty net from a metre out.
He completed his hat-trick with another header four minutes later -- the first by an Argentine player in the World Cup since Gabriel Batistuta scored a treble against Jamaica in 1998.
