Gabriel Heinze’s diving header gives Argentina 1-0 lead over Nigeria in 6th minute

Heinze gives Argentina 1-0 lead against Nigeria

JOHANNESBURG — Gabriel Heinze’s diving header in the sixth minute gave Argentina a 1-0 lead over Nigeria at halftime in the Group B match at the World Cup.

It was a dominant team performance for 45 minutes by the Argentines.

Heinze scored from 12 yards off Juan Sebastian Veron’s corner kick at Ellis Park.

Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain shot wide from 7 yards in the fourth minute when Lionel Messi dribbled past several defenders before passing to his teammate.

Higuain had another chance in the 21st, receiving a pass from Carlos Tevez but shooting straight at goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

Messi’s sixth-minute shot from outside the box forced a one-handed save by Enyeama.

Chinedu Obasi had Nigeria’s best chance, shooting wide from a tight angle in the fourth minute.