Gabriel Heinze’s diving header gives Argentina early 1-0 lead over Nigeria after 30 minutes

Heinze’s header gives Argentina 1-0 lead

JOHANNESBURG — Gabriel Heinze’s diving header in the sixth minute gave Argentina a 1-0 lead over Nigeria in a dominant team performance after 30 minutes.

Juan Sebastian Veron’s corner was headed in by Heinze from 12 yards in Saturday’s Group B match at Ellis Park.

Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain missed an easy chance from seven yards in the fourth minute when Lionel Messi dribbled past several defenders before squaring to his teammate.

Higuain had a 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 brought a one-handed save from Enyeama.

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