Report by Pez
Holland 0-0 Argentina
In a match that had been billed as a potential classic, it was eventually defence which came out on top as Holland and Argentina played out a 0-0 draw. The draw means that Argentina will play Mexico in round two after topping the group, while Holland will play in a mouth-watering contest with Portugal.
This was the first clash of two of football's real superpowers at this World Cup, yet sadly it bore no massive significance with both teams having already qualified for the knockout stage. Both sides made changes to avoid key players picking up suspensions, Holland more so than Argentina.
It was Holland who ventured forward first; Wesley Sneijder's shot deflected in to Abbondanzieri's arms, while at the other end Robin Van Persie frantically cleared a dangerous Juan Riquelme corner. Riquelme weighted a ball in to the onrushing Cambiasso's path, but a fantastic sliding Boulahrouz tackle prevented the Argentine getting a shot at goal. Dirk Kuyt, who replaced Arjen Robben on the right wing dispossessed Nicolas Burdisso in the corner flag, but greedily shot at goal from an acute angle to waste a good chance for Holland.
For the rest of the half, it was Argentina in the driving seat; The dangerous Carlos Tevez forced a corner after nut-megging one defender, and playing the ball off another, and Riquelme cheekily had a go direct from the corner, an effort which Edwin Van Der Sar was forced to palm over the bar. It was Maxi Rodriguez who went closest for either team in the first half, when the ball dropped in front of him, he cracked an effort towards the top corner, missing only by centimetres. The tempo of the game dropped towards the end of the half, though an impressive Lionel Messi had an effort saved by a busy Van Der Sar.
The second half was lacking of any real action for a long while, Riquelme and Phillip Cocu both flashed efforts wide of the bottom corners, but it was too often difence winning out on these two great attacking sides. The game livened up with 20 minutes remaining, Holland knowing they needed a win top the group. With the Dutch full-backs pushing forward, Riquelme and Tevez had more space around the box, and a one-two between the pair resulted in Tevez forcing Van Der Sar in to a full stretch, palm stinging save.
Holland put on late pressure to try and nick the group, substitute Ryan Babel was looking lively and caused a succession of late corners, but Abbondanzieri commanded his box well to hold on for a late draw. Tevez even almost stole the win for Argentina when he shielded a long bouncing ball and turned sharply, but his rising effort was always curling away from the goal.
Man Of The Match: - Khalid Boulahrouz - While it was Carlos Tevez who looked the most lively player on the pitch, it was Boulahrouz who prevented him from putting the ball in the net. He was the only man to be risked by Marco Van Basten on a yellow card, yet with that pressure on his shoulders he could still often be seen throwing himself in front of Argentines, and organising his inexperienced back 4 with great success. His best tackle prevented Cambiasso scoring a sure opener, his slide tackle was timed to perfection.
Referee: Luis Medina Cantalejo
Attendance: 48,000
Venue: Commerzbank-Arena
Ivory Coast 3-2 Serbia & Montenegro
Both teams left the World Cup by treating 66,000 fans to a game of passion and attacking brilliance. Despite being 2-0 up after 20 minutes, Serbia managed to lose this game 3-2 as their defensive frailties showed once more.
6'8'' striker Nikola Zigic opened the scoring for S&M, getting on the end of an inch perfect Dejan Stankovic pass and cooling finishing beyond Boubacar Barry. Terrible Cyrille Domoraud defending gifted Sasa Ilic and S&M a second, and it looked as though they maybe about to redeem themselves after their 6-0 Argentina beating.
Milan Dudic handled in the box to give the Ivory Coast a lifeline. Aruna Dindane scored his penalty twice, having been ordered to retake it, and on the stroke of half-time Albert Nadj was sent off for a second yellow card to surely give Ivory Coast the momentum. Dindane bagged a second after 67 minutes as their pressure finally paid off, guiding a Keite cross in to the net.
Dudic handled again in the box in the 87th minute to give the Africans a chance to seal a classic World Cup come back. This time Bonaventure Kalou was on hand to put the penalty away, sparking scenes of joy from players, coaches and supporters all around the stadium. Domoraud was sent off late in the day to add to the drama, but The Ivory Coast held on for a famous, and thrilling win, while the Serbs go home after a terrible tournament in which they conceded ten goals.
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