HOLLAND v ARGENTINA, IVORY COAST v SERBIA - ELEPHANTS TO COAST IT
Dave Tindall

The final round of Group C fixtures were supposed to have all sorts riding on them with all four teams still hoping to qualify.

But the so-called Group of Death has already been settled after two wins each for Argentina and Holland and now all there is to decide is who comes top and who finishes bottom.

I think the latter is the easiest to solve as, on their displays so far, there's been light years between the performances of the Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro.

While the 'Elephants' have helped illuminate the tournament with their vibrant attacking, the Balkan side have been woeful, lacking any sort of spark and making a mockery of those who thought their defence was one of the best in the tournament.

Clearly the loss of Nemanja Vidic has been a big blow and his absence for this game too doesn't bode well.

True, Argentina were simply irresistable when they hammered S&M 6-0 but if that's how they fold against quality attacking the Ivorians must be licking their lips.

Divisions in the Serbia & Montenegro camp have widened after their early exit and the fact that they will play as two separate nations at the next World Cup suggests there's not the same desire to record their first ever win at this level.

Ivory Coast will definitely be determined to end on a high though and the combination of extra urgency and extra talent means they should be backed at 5/4 to go out on a high.

The loss of Didier Drogba through suspension is obviously a blow but Ivory Coast have plenty of attacking options and they're a confident bet.

Argentina v Holland is harder to call although the South Americans are the deserved favourites.

They, and not Brazil, are playing the fantasy football of this World Cup and the difference between the two sides is shown most markedly up front. While Ronaldo is an embarrassment, the Argentines have an embarrassment of riches, with Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi both coming off the bench to score in the 6-0 rout of Serbia & Montenegro.

That certainly makes the 9/2 about a substitute scoring look appealing especially as another replacement - Esteban Cambiasso - also found the net in that game.

True, the Dutch have only conceded once so far but they looked vulnerable at the back against the Ivory Coast.

With Hernan Crespo on a yellow card, Jose Pekerman may get his attacking subs on earlier than usual to protect his striker against a ban and Holland could also contribute to this bet if Dirk Kuyt gets on.

There's an argument that Argentina will be happy to just knock the ball about in the second half as they only need a draw to top the group.

But Tevez and Messi are hungry and want to make an impact so they will be doing everything they can to get on the scoresheet.

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By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.