Argentina have gone through to the last 16 on top of their group after finally getting the better of an obstinate but almost comically unadventurous Greece in their final match.
It was clear from the outset that the Greeks were content to sit deep and look to nick something on the break, or from a set piece.
Argentina were camped in the Greek half but were almost aught out when Karagounis' chipped pass nearly put Samaras clean away, but then on 32, Tziolis' block was all that prevented Kun Aguero turning home the 'keeper's parry from a Milito effort.
Tzorvas was having a busy time in the Greek nets, despite his team mates' best efforts to foul, waste time and feign injury at every opportunity. A double save on the stroke of half time kept out a Maxi Rodriguez effort from near the peno spot and then a dipping curler from Messi had him backpedalling to tip over.
There was a huge moment right after half-time. Samaras was sent through one-on-one with Demichelis and after hitting his first shot against the defender, played the rebound wide across goal when he really should have at least worked the goalie. For a Greek side so lacking in invention, plying their usual crude brand of anti-football, this was as good a chance as they were likely to get.
It was all over on 79 minutes when the dam finally broke, defender Demichelis stabbing home from close range after his initial header had been blocked, and he got on the rebound.
Messi was later denied a certain goal by a superb Spyropoulos tackle, before unleashing a blasted effort moments later only to smack it off the post with the 'keeper nowhere. Messi turned provider in injury time, however, when another shot was well saved and Palermo scored to send home a Greece team that, frankly, won't be missed.