Argentina leads South Korea 2-1 at halftime

Argentina took a 2-1 lead over South Korea in a Group B match of the World Cup here on Thursday.

The Argentines were in control of the game with their world class players Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain all getting into the rhythm quickly.

Argentina shaped up in their 4-3-3 formation, while South Korea, as their coach Huh Jung Moo said before the match, packed the defence early on.

But South Korea's defence failed to hold out the Albiceleste side as at the 17th minute Lionel Messi delivered a free-kick, Martin Demichelis flicked it on and Park Chu Young deflected in an own goal.

Argentina went on to make it two at the 33rd minute when Gonzalo Higuain headed home a power shot.

However, unremitting South Koreans never gave up and they were paid off in the additional time of the first half when Lee Chung-yong scored an easy goal.

This was the second meeting between the two sides. Their first clash was in 1986 World Cup, where Argentina took a 3-1 victory.

Source: Xinhua