Argentina set for next round

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INDIA: An Indian woman arranges goods for sale at a market in New Delhi Tuesday. India's manufacturing sector grew at the slowest pace three months in March, hit by power and raw material shortages, a business survey has shown. — AFP Photo

JOHANNESBURG, June 17 (Agencies): Gonzalo Higuain scored a hat trick and Argentina beat South Korea 4-1 at the World Cup Thursday, putting the South Americans on the brink of qualifying for the next round.
Argentina took the lead in the 17th minute when Park Chu-young deflected in a free kick from Lionel Messi. Higuain made it 2-0 in the 33rd after Nicolas Burdisso passed along a cross from Maxi Rodriguez.
In first-half injury time, Lee Chung-yong pounced on a defensive mistake to close the gap, but Higuain's two second-half goals - in the 76th and 80th minutes - put the game away.
Argentina leads Group B with six points off two victories. It could clinch a spot in the knockout round, depending on the outcome of the Nigeria-Greece match later Thursday.
Higuain's second goal came off a great run by Messi, who had a shot blocked, got the rebound and hit the post with a second strike. The ball bounced to Higuain, who tapped it in. Four minutes later, Messi played the ball in to substitute striker Sergio Aguero, who crossed for Higuain to complete the rout.
Midfield maestro Lionel Messi was superb throughout as Argentina raced into a 2-0 first-half lead thanks to a header from Higuain and an own-goal by Korea's Park Chu-Young.
Overall, coach Diego Maradona's team put on one of the best performances of the tournament, perhaps only challenged by Germany in its 4-0 win over Australia. The Argentines had 11 shots on goal to just two for South Korea.
The match was played in a cold wind, and the second half saw the South Koreans emerge with more confidence after closing to 2-1. In the 58th minute, Yeom Ki-hun almost scored the tying goal, but his shot went just wide of the left-hand post.
The crowd at Soccer City was overwhelmingly pro-Argentina, with blue and white banners ringing the stadium and fans singing and chanting throughout the game - for once, drowning out the buzz of vuvuzelas.
"We played well, but there were some things we lacked in our game and we missed opportunities," said South Korean coach Huh Jung-Moo.
"I think we fought well against a side who boast several star players and we have learned a lot from the game.
"Our next match against Nigeria is now extremely important and it will decide whether or not we reach the Round of 16."
Argentina meant business from the kick-off and took the lead when Messi's free-kick deflected off Park's legs who could only watch in horror as the ball flew over the line.
Maradona then replaced the limping Walter Samuel with AS Roma's Nicolas Burdisso on 23 minutes.
Argentina extended the lead when Maxi Rodriguez's cross was flicked on by Burdisso for Higuain to beat Korean 'keeper Jung Sung-Ryong on 33 minutes, before Lee's late effort gave the South Koreans hope for the second-half.