SPORT

- reported by Osiris.


GROUP C : HOLLAND, SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO, IVORY COAST, ARGENTINA

Results of first matches:

Holland 1 - 0 Serbia and Montenegro
Ivory Coast 1 - 2 Argentina

Holland took an early lead in the 18th minute with Chelsea player Arjen Robeen as he beat the offside trap to run on to Arsenal's talented youth Robin van Persie's volleyed pass and finish with aplomb as keeper Dragoslav Jevric came out to meet him. Serbia would have regretted not making use of their best chance earlier when former Aston Villa striker Savo Milosevic shot with little power even though he had time and space in the penalty area.

The Dutch were getting more dangerous as they tried to push for a second goal. Robben set-up Wesley Sneijder for a 20-yard strike but the Ajax midefielder dragged his shot wide. Then van Persie sent a diving header straight into the keeper's gloves.

Although the leaders were attacking more, they were losing their focus as well. When there should have been clear shots at goal, the Dutch players attempted crosses to Robben on the left, hoping that he could conjure up his magic like before. It was a silly move because the Serbs by now had learned from their mistake and were marking the Chelsea winger closely.

Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was much of a bore to watch as he lost possession of the ball easily. Perhaps age has gotten to him and also the lack of matches played back at Old Trafford might have caused a decline in his performance. He was substituted by Dirk Kuyt in the 69 minute.

Van Persie curled a free-kick just past the far post where just a gentle tap would have made it 2. But in the end one goal was all it mattered and the Dutch claimed 3 points, a vital victory in their Group of Death.

The other match in Group C was much more exciting, with both countries attacking strongly. Ivory Coast were unfortuante to be 2-0 down when they were speeding about the pitch like lightning bolts and creating half-chances that were left begging. Hernan Crespo and Javier Saviola put Argentina in front, but Ivory Coast pulled one back through Didier Drogba 8 minutes from time. From then on, Argentina seemed to be the ones hanging on but when the final whistle blew it was the South Americans who claimed the victory. Ivory Coast need not be too disappointed with their loss as one would agree that they had played extremely well. With a bit more improvement, a place in the last 16 is not beyond them.

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