South African winger Siphiwe Tshabalala was the first player to score a goal in the competition, in their 1 -- 1 draw against Mexico, the opening game of the tournament. Danish defender Daniel Agger was credited with the first own goal of the tournament, in his side 's 2 -- 0 loss to the Netherlands. Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuaín was the only player to score a hat - trick in the tournament, in Argentina 's 4 -- 1 win over South Korea. It was the 49th World Cup hat - trick in the history of the tournament.
who scored the first goal in 2010 world cup
South African winger Siphiwe Tshabalala