Argentina opens with a win for Maradona

Gabriel Heinze scored on a diving header, and Argentina hung on for a 1-0 victory over Nigeria despite missing a fistful of scoring chances in the teams' World Cup opener Saturday in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Heinze's goal came in the sixth minute, when he took advantage of a weak defense to power in a shot from 12 yards off Juan Sebastian Veron's corner kick.

The Nigerians struggled for much of the match to contain Argentina forward Lionel Messi, who tormented them with his masterful moves.

Striker Gonzalo Higuain failed to convert three good chances, including what seemed a certain goal in the fourth minute. Messi also came agonizingly close several times against goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, whose terrific saves kept it close.

Taye Taiwo came within inches of an equalizer with a low shot that flew just past Sergio Romero's left post, and substitute Kalu Uche then scooped a weak shot over the crossbar from inside the box with eight minutes remaining.

A relieved Diego Maradona said Argentina was "too forgiving." He said it seemed as if his players "couldn't see the goal" as they squandered numerous scoring opportunities in their victory.

Still, Maradona said the main thing was that Argentina won a big game - his first as a coach in the World Cup.

South Korea 2, Greece 0. Lee Jung-soo and Park Ji-sung each scored as South Korea eased past lackluster Greece in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Lee tapped in a free kick from short range in the seventh minute, and Park Ji-sung doubled the lead in the 52d with a slick shot.

The Manchester United midfielder collected a misplaced pass from Vassilis Torosidis and skipped past two defenders before slipping a shot beyond goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas.

Dutch player out. Arjen Robben has been ruled out of the Netherlands' opening World Cup game against Denmark after flying in to join his teammates six days late because of a hamstring injury.

Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk said it was too risky for the winger to play Monday. But he hopes that Robben will be fit in time to face Japan on June 19.