Gonzalo Higuain scored the first hat-trick of the World Cup as Argentina all but assured themselves a place in the last 16 with an impressive 4-1 victory over South Korea at Soccer City.

Diego Maradona's men were on top from the time they took the lead through a Park Chu-young own goal in the 17th minute. Higuain doubled the advantage after 33 minutes, but a lapse in concentration from Martin Demichelis on the stroke of half-time allowed Lee Chung-yong to give his side hope.

After briefly threatening a comeback early in the second half, the Koreans faded thanks to a double from Real Madrid striker Higuain that handed his side maximum points from their opening two fixtures in Group B.