Argentina powers into knock out stage

6:30 PM GMT, June 22, 2010
Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa



Greece
0 - 2
Argentina

Defender Martin Demichelis and substitute Martin Palermo succeeded where Argentina's multi-talented strikeforce had failed as they scored the goals to break Greece's resilience and end their World Cup hopes at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Argentina's 2-0 victory over Greece - thanks to late goals from Martin Demichelis and veteran striker Martin Palermo - saw them top Group B with maximum points.

That contrasted sharply with their performances in the qualifying campaign - when they had to win their last two matches to reach South Africa.

Scoring Summary

Greece	Argentina
	Martín Demichelis (77')
	Martín Palermo (89')

Match Stats

Greece

Argentina

7(3)	Shots (on Goal)	22(12)
15	Fouls	8
1	Corner Kicks	10
0	Offsides	2
33%	Time of Possession	67%
1	Yellow Cards	1
0	Red Cards	0
9	Saves	0

Match Information

Stadium:	Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa
Attendance:
Match Time:	18:30 GMT
Official(s):	Ravshan Irmatov

Man of the Match: Clemente Rodriguez

MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Clemente Rodriguez- The left-back bombed forward at every chance and was a constant threat. Not the first name on the lips when you think of an Argentine defender, but he was excellent and it just goes to show what happens when you play a proper defender as a full-back.

Argentina verdict: Very comfortable on the ball, but they were hardly troubled. Going about their business quietly, Maradona was not forced into making any real decisions as Greece sat back. Argentina only needed a point and they won't have worked up much of a sweat picking up the win.

Greece verdict: Utterly awful. Even when they knew they needed to score goals and win the game, they didn't come out of their shell. Seemed very happy with a small defeat and some may say they showed a disrespect to the competition for playing as they did. They should regret not giving it a go.

Could do better: Otto Rehhagel - The man behind the tactics that bored everyone to death at Euro 2004 was at it again. Greece are by far and away the worst team to watch in the entire competition and Rehhagel really needs to change something if they are to ever be taken seriously.

Stat attack: At one point, Juan Sebastian Veron had more touches of the ball (98) that the top three players on Greece combined (97).