Argentina 2-1 Ivory Coast : A close run thing

At last! The first proper match between two evenly matched teams in this World Cup. The game was won in the first half by the skill, guile and experience of the South Americans. Saviola and Crespo getting the two goals. The scoreline was harsh on Ivory Coast though who looked a lot closer than the scoreline suggested. The second half saw players like Yaya and Kolo Toure as well as the sublime Drogba really stepping up their play. The spirit of 'The Elephants' was plain to see, their heads didn't drop at all. They were the exact opposite of Poland. Although the Ivory Coast had a better amount of the play in the second period they just couldn't find a way past the tough Argentinians. Mascherano and Cambiasso is a really good pairing in front of the back four. Ivory Coast eventually got the goal that their hard work merited when Drogba netted after 82 minutes. Argentina saw a late goal disallowed rightly for offside and Ivory Coast went close on a few occasions. 2-2 might have been a fair result but the Argentinians new exactly how to defend their lead. First blood Argentina in the group of death. I can sense that this group is far from over yet though.

Argentina showed that they've improved since 2002. They're here to play for the cup, they mean business. We didn't even get to see their powerhouse forward, Carlitos Tevez. Ivory Coast also showed they their are possibly the best ever African side to grace a World Cup. What they lack in experience they make up for in shear spirit and determination. Let's hope Holland turn up against Serbia and Montenegro tomorrow and keep this group on a knife edge. I certainly feel that Holland can beat Argentina on their day and that Ivory Coast vs Holland could be the match of the group stage. Game on World Cup 2006!