Argentina Beat Battling Ivory Coast in Group C Classic
June 10, 2006
Argentina took a huge step towards securing a berth in the second round of the World Cup finals by beating an unlucky Ivory Coast 2-1, although the African Nations Cup finalists threatened the two-time winners to the end.
The Ivorians, spearheaded by Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, pressed the Argentine goalmouth repeatedly and clearly troubled the South American defense, proving that they are also a force to be reckoned with in Group C otherwise known as the Group of Death.
Argentina seized on two out of only three clear scoring opportunities in the first half to thwart Ivory Coast's domination and barely had any more chances in the ensuing 45 minutes.
Chelsea's Hernan Crespo pounced on a loose ball during a goalmouth scramble after a Juan Riquelme free kick in the 24th minute.
A languid but piercing pass by the Villareal midfielder 14 minutes later opened up a gaping hole in the "Elephants'" defense, leaving Javier Saviola to slot a low shot past the hapless Jean-Jacques Tizie.
In the second half, Drogba pulled one back, but a fragile looking Tizie clumsily parried a long range effort from Riquelme which bounced out to Maxi Gonzalez, though, it was ruled out for offside against two of his team-mates.
Ivory Coast repeatedly ripped through the middle of Argentina's defense despite attempts to stifle them in midfield, but were ultimately let down by slack finishing up front and lapses in concentration at the back.
Captain Drogba and crew give favorites a scare
The much-criticized Roberto Abbondanzieri in Argentina's goal made a crucial save from a close range header by Kader Keita in the first half, while the "Albiceleste" struggled to contain Drogba and his teammates.
Argentina also came close to scoring on their only other clear opportunity with a corner in the 13th minute, when Tizie fumbled a save from Roberto Ayala's header.
The ball bounced off the post and Tizie reached back to grab the ball, but Belgian referee Frank de Bleeckere shrugged off Argentinean claims that it had crossed the line.
Argentina's sheer striking efficiency and coach Jose Pekerman's decision to bolster his midfield at the expense of some offensive flair paid dividends, while Saviola shone upfront.
Despite their discipline at the back, the Ivorians also paid the price for leaving Riquelme with space in midfield and poor goalkeeping.