World Cup Group C - Argentina Takes Group C in Goalless Draw

Holland 0 - Argentina 0

Argentina and Holland played to a goalless draw to meet Mexico and Portugal respectively in the next round.

It was not an exciting match by any means but there was plenty of quality play throughout the game. It was a game based on tactics rather than shear excitement, with both sides showing enough to justify their place in the next round. Of course Argentina had already proven their pedigree in the previous couple of games.

Both sides fielded mostly reserves and Argentina still had superb players like Messi and Tevez, with Riquelme pulling the strings in the centre of the pitch. The trio were a joy to watch, even though I still dislike Riquelme after that Champions League semi-final showing against Arsenal.

A draw was probably the fairest result as neither team deserved to lose this game. The Argentine passing was at times patient and deliberate, carving out openings at the appropriate times while the Dutch defence was disciplined and soaked up whatever was thrown at them. Credit to the Dutch, they also had their moments in attack, but rarely bothered the Argentine keeper.

From what I've seen in all three of their matches, both teams should have enough quality to beat their opponents in the next round.

Ivory Coast 3 - Serbia & Montenegro 2

Wow, this looked like an exciting match with S&M going 2-0 and Ivory Coast coming back to win it 3-2. Unfortunately I was unable to catch this game.