Argentina Vs Ivory Coast - World Cup Special
Last updated : 10 June 2006 By Smallsy
Potential challengers Argentina got their campaign of to a great start in Group C tonight with a win over the Ivory Coast. Goals from Saviola and Crespo in the first half put the Argentines 2-0 up, but Drogba of Chelsea gave the blue and whites something to think about with a smart finish just before the end. The two time winners held on for a 2-1 win sending out a message to all other World Cup hopeful's with a stylish performance.
On paper, the Argentineans looked to have this one in the bag but early on the Ivorian's gave their opponents a stern test. Raw and Pacey led by experienced Toure and Drogba the elephants were spurred on by driving runs from midfield by Zokora. As the game began to become stretched the Argentineans won a free kick, which was swung in by Riquelme whose ball was deflected into the path of hit man Crespo who was able to steer the ball into the net.
A deserved goal from Argentina who felt they should have been given the lead earlier when a header from Ayala was adjudged to be not over the line, despite evidence to the contrary from TV replays.
The Ivorian's played on but were caught on the counter by an excellent finish by the Chelsea striker playing in his third world cup. Their lead was doubled shortly before half time as Riquelme found Saviola in space with an excellent through ball, the Barcelona striker poked the ball beyond Tizie who could do nothing about the accuracy of the finish.
Seemingly unsatisfied with a two goal lead the South American's pushed forward for a third but marshaled by Kolo Toure the Ivorian defense held out well and it was the side from Africa who created the best chances through Drogba and Yaya Toure who was impressive in midfield.
In the second half the pattern continued the same with the Ivory Coast looking to break up the play of the Argentines and threaten through talisman Drogba who was becoming a nuisance to Heinze and Ayala. The Ivorian's however lacked a cutting edge and their play was mostly restricted to long ball play which was unsuccessful because of the experience and arial strength of their opponents.
Several bursting runs from midfield were cut out by excellent interventions and the Ivory Coast looked to be being denied a goal they perhaps deserved for their performance. They were however rewarded when work from substitutes Aruna Kone and Aruna Dindane set up a chance for Drogba who knocked the ball in left footed.
Looking for the equalizer they pushed up and were almost made to pay by more great play from Riquelme whose saved shot ran into the path of Gonzalez but after a clever touch and finish he was judged to be offside.
The final whistle gave Argentina, watched by Diego Maradona, three points in their bid to win another World Cup and despite a good performance the Ivory Coast must now beat Holland to survive.
