كتب : Omar AbdelAziz
South Korea and Greece begin the second day of the big event, but their Group B encounter is overshadowed by the first appearances of powerhouses Argentina and England.
Lionel Messi and Co. are favorites to down the Super Eagles at Ellis Park, while England face a tricky challenge with Confederations Cup runners-up USA in Phokeng.
Argentina vs. Nigeria
Head to head:
Argentina win 2 Goals: 3
Nigeria win 0 Goals: 1
Draw 1
Team News:
Argentina have a fully-fit squad as well as an embarrassment of riches in attack, with the likes of Messi, Diego Milito, Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez.
Nigeria lost key midfielder John Obi Mikel to injury before the tournament as youngster Lukman Haruna could step in.
What they said:
"Nigeria is a physically strong side capable of creating problems in attack. However, I think they are still a little disorganized in defense. That’s where we have to make the most of our potential," said Argentina boss Diego Maradona.
"When you play really good teams like Argentina with a lot of really good individuals, you have to have a very good team performance, otherwise you don't win," said Super Eagles coach Lars Lagerback.
Player to watch:
Argentina: Lionel Messi is definitely Argentina's main man.
Nigeria: Competent goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama will be busy on Saturday.
England vs. USA
Head to head:
England win 7 Goals: 35
USA win 2 Goals: 8
Draw 0
Team News:
After losing defender Rio Ferdinand to injury, England manager Fabio Capello will have to choose between Ledley King and Jamie Carragher to partner John Terry in defense. Gareth Barry is likely to miss out.
USA have striker Jozy Altidore fit again after an ankle injury, while defender Oguchi Onyewu can play after the whole of last season.
What they said:
"The big difference is that we've got a fit Wayne Rooney in this squad. And the squad is quite experienced. Obviously we're missing Rio but this squad is balanced. I think this is a lot of guys' last chance, considering their age at this World Cup," Joe Cole, England midfielder.
"If we give up too many wide free-kicks and direct free-kicks, we will probably get punished for it. It's important we're solid in defence and not leave guys open one-on-one," Tim Howard, USA goalkeeper.
Player to watch:
England: Manchester United hitman Wayne Rooney
USA: Premierhsip-based Clint Dempsey.
South Korea vs. Greece
Team News:
Korea have Park Ji-Sung and Lee Dong-Gook fit again after injury.
Greece defender Vangelis Moras has been ruled out with an ankle injury.
What they said:
"Countries like South Korea have great team spirit and plenty of passion. We won't disappoint the Greek people. You feel as though you are among the best teams in the world, and that's no small thing." Otto Rehhagel, Greece coach
"In our eyes, the match against Greece is the most important of the group stage. If we can win that, we'll have the opportunity to play differently against Argentina and Nigeria." Lee-Young-Pyo, Korea Republic defender
Player to watch:
Greece: Prolific goalscorer Theofanis Gekas
Korea: Manchester United star Park Ji-Sung