Heinze header gives Argentina 1-0 win over Nigeria

Man to man marking: Argentina's Lionel Messi (right) is challenged by Nigeria's Danny Shittu during their World Cup match at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0 on Saturday. – AP/Ricardo Mazalan

Gabriel Heinze’s diving header gave Argentina just enough for a nervous 1-0 victory over Nigeria on Saturday in the teams’ World Cup opener.

Heinze scored in the sixth minute, taking advantage of weak defense to power in a shot from 12 yards off Juan Sebastian Veron’s corner kick.

The Nigerians had a clear height advantage, but struggled for much of the match to contain Argentina’s diminutive World Best Player 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 on several occasions.