Good morning from a slightly subdued South Africa. I'm Chris Bevan in Cape Town, and this is day seven of the 2010 World Cup... not that the hosts are going to enjoy it too much, I'm afraid.

Yep, last night's defeat by Uruguay leaves Carlos Alberto Parreira's side in real danger of being the first home nation in the tournament's history to fail to get out of the first group stage. There were still vuvuzelas being played outside my hotel room late last night but not with anything like the same gusto as last weekend and, this morning, the local press do not exactly appear confident of their team progressing either.

But don't despair, we've got three games to look forward to today for a start... Including a second look at Lionel Messi - that should cheer everyone up surely? Messi's Argentina side and South Korea will be going for their second wins in Group B when they meet at Soccer City Stadium at 12:30 BST, while Greece and Nigeria will both look for their first win in their game at Bloemfontein at 15:00 BST. Then we return to Group A for France against Mexico in Polokwane at 19:30... surely the French will improve on their early form, right? I hope so...

Yesterday was a momentous day, and not only because of Switzerland's shock win over Spain... it meant that all 32 teams at this World Cup have now played at least one game. Now, it's far too early to decide who's going to win the thing, but it is at least taking shape. Germany are probably the most impressive team so far but their legendary former striker and manager Jurgen Klinsmann is not getting carried away by the hype, He told me yesterday: "They have got off to a great start and will have a lot of confidence but the question now is how strong mentally they are because they are still a young team. We don't know yet how they will cope with going behind, especially in the knockout stages."
 

Mind you, there's plenty of debate on how the tournament as a whole is shaping up too... a few more goals would be nice, wouldn't they? Plenty of ways to let me know what you think, though: Text me on 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide), I'm on Twitter @chrisbevan_bbc or join the chat on 606.

"Of course everybody is sad and disappointed, but the competition is not yet
finished. We can't put our heads down, we have to fight until the end. Only by beating France do we have a chance of getting through so we have to be more aggressive in that game. We still have a chance to get four points, France are difficult but it's not impossible to beat them."

It seems plain wrong to be thinking about next season already - we're still in the first week of the World Cup for goodness sake... but believe it or not, the fixtures for the English domestic season are out already. Some tasty opening treats too - like Arsenal-Liverpool, Manchester United-Newcastle and Tottenham-Man City on the first Premier League weekend, but I'm going to ignore all that for now - let's talk about the likes of Messi instead please. Agree?

Everyone here in Cape Town is eagerly awaiting the arrival of England for tomorrow's game with Algeria... there's quite a few England fans already here mind, and there's likely to be a cracking atmosphere in the city over the next couple of days. To find out more about all the venues in South Africa that are hosting games in this World Cup, why not check out our clickable guide on the BBC website?

Some interesting news from one of my spies who has been watching France train behind closed doors this week. I'm told Nicolas Anelka will continue as a lone striker in tonight's clash with Mexico (live on BBC One and this website) and Thierry Henry will again be used as a 'joker de luxe' (super sub). Interestingly, given the alleged rifts in the squad, one of coach Raymond Domenech's favoured players, the playmaker Yoann Gourcuff, is apparently going to be dropped on the request of Franck Ribery, who has taken on the role of team 'leader'.

France have been using a 4-2-3-1 formation in training, with Franck Ribery in the centre behind Nicolas Anelka, Florent Malouda on the left and Sidney Govou keeping his place on the right. Player power: good or bad? Discuss.

If you have found this World Cup difficult viewing at times, then spare a thought for two Australian sisters in Sydney, who have set an unofficial world record for continuous TV-watching after sitting through 87 hours (that's three-and-a-half days) of uninterrupted World Cup and football coverage. They were monitored by a team of officials who made sure they did not look away from the screen for more than five seconds (even during Portugal versus Ivory Coast, which was especially cruel). In case you were wondering, they were allowed an, er, 'comfort break' for five minutes every hour.

"I like to play within a very good team spirit. I am always making sure that the group remains together and in good spirits and we remain friends, play closely together and are frank with one another so we don't take our problems out onto the pitch."

Right, I'm going to start building up properly to South Korea v Argentina in a moment or two but, before I do, why don't you get in the mood by listening to BBC Radio 5 live's resident songsmith Dave Henson and his musical take on the tournament so far, in the style of Rhianna's 'Umbrella'. It's very good you know.

"With all due respect they do not have a Messi. South Korea are based on a very strong collective block, they are very fast, they have an excellent team. They should be respected but we are going to win the match. Beating Korea would mean we're almost through. Argentina are not going to speculate - they are going to go out and win the match."

"I saw the match between Brazil and North Korea. Our players talked with them and they talked to us that they were very confident (against Brazil) even if they did lose. North Korea was more than capable of doing what they did and we talked with our players about that. Of course, watching the resistance by a weaker team against a stronger team, that made us think what we could do if we were in their place. It's an inspiration."

If South Korea fans are looking for an omen ahead of today's game, then maybe they should look away now... it is exactly 56 years since they played their first World Cup finals game, in Switzerland in 1954, when they lost 9-0 to Hungary. They were 4-0 down at half-time which probably wasn't the start they were looking for.

Here's a bit of news for you too: Australia midfielder Tim Cahill has been banned for one match following his (slightly harsh in my book) red card in their 4-0 defetat by Germany. The Everton star will miss Saturday's game with Ghana but will return for the Socceroos final group match against Serbia on 23 June.

Right, here's the deal for the rest of the day: Sam Lyon's going to take you through the rest of the build-up to Argentina-South Korea, and the game itself too, before I return for Greece v Nigeria at 15:00 BST. Then Jonathan Stevenson takes over for France against Mexico. Got all that? Good. See you later.

So you love the Vuvuzelas do you? You like listening to ditties glorying in their magic? You think they're a colourful and harmless addition to this World Cup? Well tell that to Arsene Wenger. Tell that to Wimbledon. Tell that to Sven Wipperfuerth (27) from Rommerskirchen, North Rhine Westfalen! Shame on you all. Anyway, I'm Sam Lyon and it's Argentina-South Korea time. Nice.

Argentina: 22-Sergio Romero; 2-Martin Demichelis, 13-Walter Samuel, 6-Gabriel Heinze, 17-Jonas Gutierrez; 14-Javier Mascherano, 20-Maxi Rodriguez, 7-Angel Di Maria; 10-Lionel Messi, 11-Carlos Tevez, 9-Gonzalo Higuain.
South Korea: 18-Jung Sung-ryong; 2-Oh Beom-seok, 12-Lee Young-pyo, 4-Cho Yong-hyung, 14-Lee Jung-soo, 8-Kim Jung-woo, 16-Ki Sung-yong, 7-Park Ji-sung, 17-Lee Chung-yong, 10-Park Chu-young, 19-Yeom Ki-hun.
Referee: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)

Now then, with the players out and about at a relatively chilly Soccer City, why not take the opportunity to delve deep inside your brains and pull out a few nuggets that I can publish on this commentary? You can text me on 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide), I'm on Twitter @sampatricklyon or join the chat on 606. This is your moment people, don't miss it.

Twenty-four years ago, Argentina and South Korea met in the 1986 World Cup group stages in Mexico. Up against the eventual winners and the genius of England's soon-to-be tormentor Diego Maradona, South Korea hatched a plan - which mainly involved Huh Jung-moo, a nuggety midfielder, spending the entire 90 minutes kicking Maradona's backside around the park. "He was not playing football - it was more like taekwondo," said Maradona. "I did not kick him intentionally. I did not even get a yellow card during the match," replied Huh Jung-moo.Argentina won that match 3-1 and, today, Maradona and Huh Jung-moo meet again - this time as coaches. Make no mistake, this time it's personal (dun dun dun)...

Argentina boss Diego Maradona resists the temptation to give Champions League winner Diego Milito a start up front and makes just one alteration from the side that started against Nigeria, Liverpool's Maxi Rodriguez replacing Juan Veron, who is reported to be struggling with a calf injury, in midfield. There is also one change for South Korea following their victory over Greece as Oh Beom-seok comes in for Cha Du-ri at right-back.

Despite what Argentina boss Diego Maradona might have you believe, this need not be a walkover for his side at all. South Korea - semi-finalists in 2002 - are unbeaten in their last 19 competitive matches, and have scored 21 goals in 12 games this season, including wins over the Ivory Coast and Japan, and a narrow 1-0 friendly defeat to Spain. In Park Ji-sung, too, they have their first player to score at three World Cups. Another World Cupset anyone?

Having said that (at 12:10), Argentina aren't in bad shape themselves. They have won their last six international matches, have not conceded in four, are unbeaten in seven straight World Cup games - and in Lionel Messi, they have an unarguable genius desperate to score having bagged just once in his last 10 internationals. He and manager Diego Maradona seem to be getting on quite well, too, despite fears to the contrary. Which is nice.

Here come the anthems, sunshine bathing Johannesburg, and the Soccer City stadium not quite packed to the rafters. Ready?

Argentina into their stride immediately, Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain all getting an early touch in a move that forces a corner - but it comes to nothing.

Argentina, as expected, shape up in their fluid 4-3-3 formation, while South Korea - who probably didn't need telling twice the size of their task this afternoon - immediately get men behind the ball and pack the defence early on. Huh Jung-moo's men will bide their time before showing too much ambition it would seem.

It doesn't look in these early stages as if Lionel Messi will be man-marked by South Korea this afternoon - although Lee Jung-soo has just had a nibble at the little man's ankles. All Argentina in terms of possession so far.

Gonzalo Higuain has the briefest of looks at goal as Argentina burst through Carlos Tevez, but the Real Madrid frontman lashes his shot wide from the angle.

And there we are - South Korea have the ball inside the Argentina half for the first time. Lee Young-pyo dances around a couple of tackles down the left, but Argentina soon clear their lines.

Lionel Messi just misplaced a pass. I repeat, Lionel Messi just misplaced a pass. Unbelievable.

Better from South Korea as they apply some pressure down Argentina's right, and then down the left after a switch of play. Park Chu-young attempts a cross after a good spell of possession but it is cut out well by Gabriel Heinze. South Korea are here to play, though, for sure.

South Korea go for an immediate riposte, but Ki Sung-yong's slammed effort from outside the area flies narrowly over Sergio Romero's goal.

Argentina could be forced into a change here as defender Walter Samuel asks for treatment on his hamstring. He trots back on moments later, but Nicolas Burdisso warms up on the sidelines nonetheless.

Oh Beom-seok has a pop from range for South Korea - but it is in danger of troubling only the Vuvuzela-wielding fans behind the goal. Shame.

Lionel Messi, not for the first time, is bundled over by a South Korean defender - Cho Yong-hyung this time - and Argentina have a free-kick 30 yards out, just left of the centre of goal...

...bosh! Cracking hit from Carlos Tevez, his drilled shot screaming inches over Jung Sung-ryong's bar. That was close.

Carlos Tevez is enjoying himself out there, he really is. He shows a few touches of pure skill in another patient Argentina build-up, but the final ball is again lacking from Jonas Gutierrez out on the right. South Korea are doing their best to break when they can in reply, but they really aren't showing any kind of cohesion going forward.

This is very impressive from Argentina, a performance built on their willingness and commitment to win the ball back when they lose possession. Carlos Tevez - who else? - is typifying such an approach, but the work-rate of Diego Maradona's side is almost as impressive as their guile going forward.

South Korea keeper Jung Song-ryong spills a cross only as far as Angel di Maria, but makes immediate amends with a flying save from the Argentina winger's goalbound shot. Excellent stop.

Lionel Messi and then Carlos Tevez take turns in charging at the South Korean defence with the ball - but despite the rabbit-in-the-headlight expressions on their faces, Huh Jung-moo's men just about manage to stent the Argentines' flurry.

Well - that was almost the moment we've been waiting for. Lionel Messi charges at the South Korean defence, puts the brakes on with consummate ease, and then drifts a doozy of an attempted lob from 25 yards only just past Jung Sung-ryong's post.

So, erm, where did that come from? Have we got a match on our hands now?

Now then, while you get your heads around South Korea somehow still being in this match, why not find out what BBC Radio 5 live commentator Conor McNamara thinks about the controversial Jabulani ball or why Everton manager David Moyes does not believe there is such a thing as a favourite at this World Cup? Have a listen and take a breather.

And South Korea get us back under way in the second half.

Argentina force the first corner of the half, but when it falls to Lionel Messi on the edge of the area he can only volley harmlessly wide from 20 yards out.

Would be interesting to know what Diego Maradona told his team at half-time - he looked like he was telling them to relax at the break, as if saying "everything will be fine". I wonder if he saved the hairdryer treatment for behind closed doors? Anyway, as with the first half - Argentina are controlling things again.

Oh, lovely move. Argentina work the ball well from right to left and it ends with Angel di Maria laying it into Gonzalo Higuain eight yards out, whose snap-volley is well kept out on the dive by South Korea keeper Jung Sung-Ryong. The corner comes to nothing.

Argentina knocking on the door again - Jung Sung-ryong down well to keep out Carlos Tevez's long-ranger.

That's how slender Argentina's lead is. South Korea should be level - Lee Chung-yong breaks well and lays a beautiful ball into Yeom Ki-hun's path as he bursts into the area, but the striker can only slap his effort past the onrushing keeper and into the side-netting.

South Korea certainly look a different side in this half - pressing Argentina high up the pitch and buzzing about their opponents in a fashion that was far too alien in the first half - and all of a sudden Diego Maradona's are not so comfortable.

Lionel Messi's free-kick causes a heart-flutter or two in the South Korean defence, but neither Gabriel Heinze nor Carlos Tevez can get a touch on it and keeper Jung Sung-ryong collects.

To be fair to Rob, below, Lionel Messi really has not got going so far today. South Korea still look frightened to pieces by him whenever he gets the ball, mind.

Snap-shot by Gonzalo Higuain from Maxi Rodriguez's slide-rule pass, but it is collected low down by the South Korean keeper.

With 20 minutes or so to go, there's little doubt South Korea fancy getting something out of this match. End-to-end stuff this, now.

So Higuain has scored the first World Cup hat-trick since Portugal's Pauleta netted three in a 4-0 rout of Poland in 2002. And our friends from Infostrada Sports tell us it's the first Argentine World Cup hatto since Gabriel "Batigol" Batistuta against Jamaica in 1998. Is that the Golden Boot won already?

Understandably, this game is going through the motions a touch now. Sergio Aguero - lively since his introduction - makes a nice burst that is only ended by a good tackle inside the South Korean box, but Huh Jung-moo's men look a spent force otherwise.

We'll have two minutes of added time, but you get the impression South Korea wouldn't mind hearing the whistle right now. I can't say I blame them after that late Argentine salvo.

Park Ji-sung looks to add a touch of respectability to the scoreline for South Korea, but his effort from range is well held low down by Sergio Romero in the Argentina goal.

Right, that's it from me, Sam Lyon, on this one - head straight over to Greece-Nigeria with Chris Bevan for all the reaction to Argentina's fine win and the match action from the Free State Stadium. You might not be expecting a classic - but stranger things have happened! And a reminder for you UK TV fans that Match of the Day is on BBC Two at 2320 BST tonight, not 2200. However, it will be available at 2200 BST on the red button and the web. See ya.