FIFA 2010 world cup is Diego Maradona's first world cup as a coach and it started on a decent note with Argentina winning the first game 1-0 against Nigeria. A superstar as a player but a controversial choice as national team coach, Maradona prowled the sideline throughout the match, with hands clasped behind his back. For the first time as Argentina coach, the former captain wore a suit – a stark contrast to the image of him hurling himself, track-suited, into a puddle on the field when Argentina beat Peru last year.
The Nigerians struggled for much of the match to contain Messi - FIFA World player of the year, and striker Gonzalo Higuain also failed to convert three good chances. Gabriel Heinze scored on a diving header in the sixth minute, the only one of seven shots on goal Argentina converted in its 1-0 win Saturday. The Argentines almost paid for their squandered chances, as the Nigerians gained confidence in the second half. Taye Taiwo came inches from 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 left.
"The team made good moves, but we ended up suffering. That's the law of soccer," Maradona said. "Thank God we won the game. "To begin a World Cup in winning fashion gives you a certain sense of calmness. The only thing that concerns me is that we won a big game."
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