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If ever there was a nightmare group, then this is it. Argentina, Netherlands,
Serbia and Montenegro, and Côte d'Ivoire are all in the top 50 of the FIFA/Coca-Cola
World Ranking. The Oranje and the Albiceleste are third and
fourth respectively. As a result, the South Americans, who were also drawn
in a tricky group in 2002, face a tough battle if they are to fare any
better than they did in Asia.
The Dutch, imperious in qualification, will have their hearts set on
making a successful return after an eight-year absence. The Serbo-Montenegrins,
meanwhile, will come to the tournament full of confidence fresh from a
preliminary competition where their defensive solidity impressed the entire
world. And if the Africans are considered the minnows of the group, they are
nonetheless brimming with talent and enthusiasm. It would be a brave man who
staked his reputation on predicting a winner... |
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Standings and Results |
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Group C |
MP |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
Pts |
 |
ARG |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
8 |
1 |
7 |
 |
NED |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
7 |
 |
CIV |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
5 |
6 |
3 |
 |
SCG |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
10 |
0 |
| 10 Jun |
 |
ARG |
: |
CIV |
 |
2:1 |
| 11 Jun |
 |
SCG |
: |
NED |
 |
0:1 |
| 16 Jun |
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ARG |
: |
SCG |
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6:0 |
| 16 Jun |
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NED |
: |
CIV |
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2:1 |
| 21 Jun |
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NED |
: |
ARG |
|
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| 21 Jun |
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CIV |
: |
SCG |
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Matches
Date for your diary: Frankfurt, 21 June, Netherlands v Argentina
Potentially the most exciting clash of the first round. All the more so
since third in the world meets fourth in this decisive clash in a finely
poised group.
David v Goliath: Hamburg, 10 June, Argentina v Côte d'Ivoire
The opening match of the group sees a baptism of fire for debutants Côte
d'Ivoire against two-time champions Argentina.
History repeats itself: Netherlands v Argentina
The teams have met three times before at the finals and though the Dutch
have emerged as winners on two occasions in 1974 and 1998, Argentina
will be more than happy to have won the one that counted most, the final
of 1978.
Analysis
The Albiceleste must be starting to think they are cursed. In
2002, they drew England, Sweden and Nigeria in the first round. Despite
being favourites, they then failed to emerge from the group. This time,
they meet two strong European sides in the Netherlands and Serbia and
Montenegro, along with Côte d'Ivoire who, if they acclimatise quickly,
will lack nothing in finesse or talent.
The Dutch, formidable in qualifying, undoubtedly pose the greatest
threat to the South Americans. The two teams have met on numerous
occasions, including three encounters in the FIFA World Cup™. The
quarter-finals of France 98 in Marseille saw the Oranje net a
last-minute winner to decide an enthralling tie. And the final of
Argentina 1978 between the teams of Mario Kempes and Johan Neeskens has
gone down in the history of the tournament.
However, the pair will not have things all their own way. Serbia and
Montenegro enjoyed an exceptional qualifying tournament, edging past
Spain and conceding just one goal in 10 matches. Without compromising
their technical ability, Ilija Petkovic's men have solidified their back
line in impressive fashion. As for Côte d'Ivoire, their qualification
ahead of Cameroon was nothing short of miraculous. Henri Michel's troops
evoke comparisons with the Senegal team of 2002 with their attacking
talents (Didier Drogba, Bonaventure Kalou and Aruna Dindane) and a
refreshing enthusiasm. And we all know how the Lions of the Teranga
fared in Asia.
Did you know?
Côte d'Ivoire's Didier Drogba, Argentina's Hernan Crespo and Dutchman
Arjen Robben all play their club football at Chelsea and will all come
up against each other in this group. And if that was not enough, they
will also meet Serbia and Montenegro's Mateja Kezman, their team-mate
last season. |
