BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) — Greece and Nigeria are in the same predicament ahead of their World Cup Group B match today: lose and they’re almost certain of a first-round exit.

But the Greeks’ position is even more grim.

Nigeria only conceded one goal and went close to scoring a late equaliser in an opening loss to Argentina, while a lustreless Greek side fell 2-0 to 2002 World Cup semi-finalists South Korea and still have to face Lionel Messi and the Argentine squad in the last group game.

Greece failed to stick to coach Otto Rehhagel’s plans against South Korea and conceded a crucial early goal when they failed to clear a free kick, and the team never recovered.

Rehhagel, who led Greece to an unexpected European championship title in 2004, said yesterday the key for his team against Nigeria lies in returning to his defence-first philosophy, which demands the players follow his tactics precisely, denying opponents space and capitalising on set-piece attacks.

If Nigeria’s opening performance against Argentina is any indication, Greece have a rough road ahead. The Africans played well against Diego Maradona’s talented squad, and now — like Greece — can’t afford to lose.

Nigeria are not quite the dynamic team who lived up to their nickname of the “Super Eagles” in the 1990s, but coach Lars Lagerback’s squad in South Africa has plenty of talent, even without injured Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.

Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama was impressive against Argentina, making a number of solid saves to hold Messi and company to just one goal in a performance that won him the player of the match award.