Argentina struck the opening blow in the World Cup's toughest group Sunday with a one to zero win over Nigeria in Kashima, Japan.

Gabriel Batistuta scored a 63rd-minute header as the Cup favorites made a winning start to group F on the third day of the tournament Sunday.

Quinton Fortune scored on a last-minute penalty kick after a controversial call, lifting South Africa back from two goals down for a 2-to-2 tie against Paraguay.

At their World Cup opener held in Busan, Fortune drove his kick into the top right corner after the referee judged that Paraguay goalie Ricardo Tavarelli pulled down Sibusiso Zuma.

England and Sweden tied at one to one at a game held in Saitama, Japan, Sunday night. Niclas Alexandersson took advantage of an English defensive error in the 59th minute to score the tying goal.

In other World Cup action, Spain beat Slovenia three to one in their Group B match held in Gwangju, South Korea.