Argentina vs. Cote d'Ivoire moments

HAMBURG, Jun 10 (SW) - Welcome to SoccerWay.com's live coverage of the World Cup Group C match between Argentina and Côte d'Ivoire from AOL-Arena in Hamburg.FULL-TIMEArgentina escape Hamburg with a 2-1 victory, but it was never easy to come by as the Elephants of Côte d'Ivoire proved a more than worthy opponent.Early missed chances by the Ivorians will be the most likely thing looked back on when they study their film. Perhaps in their next game they won't be as tense in front of goal.Argentina needed these three points in a big way in the Group of Death, but both Holland and Serbia & Montenegro will need to beware this orange force.90th minute + 3 - Argentina substitutionOn: 16 - AimarOff: 10 - RiquelmeArgentina exhaust their final sub in the dying moments.90th minute + 1 - Côte d'Ivoire bookingBooked: 11 - Drogba 85th minuteArgentina nearly put the game away as Maxi Rodríguez tucks the ball into the goal after a mishandle by Tizié, but the offside flag was up.82nd minute - GOAL CÔTE D'IVOIRE! (2-1)Goal: 11 - DrogbaThe Ivorians finally hit the back of the net as Drogba puts home after a penalty area scramble.The ball starts on the right side of the area, but makes its way over to the left when a cross comes back for him to tuck home. 80th minuteBakary Koné finds another shooting lane - this time from outside the area - but again he misses the target with his shot.77th minute - Côte d'Ivoire substitutionOn: 9 - A. KonéOff: 18 - KeitaHenri Michel brings on a fresh striker as PSV's Arouna Koné replaces Kader Keita in the final stages of the match.76th minute - Argentina substitutionOn: 22 - GonzálezOff: 7 - SaviolaLucho González comes on for Saviola as Argentina look to preserve their lead.70th minuteCôte d'Ivoire have the ball in the area and after having an appeal for a penalty turned down, Bakary Koné fires a shot over the bar.64th minute - Argentina substitutionOn: 14 - PalacioOn: 9 - CrespoThe man who scored the first goal, Crespo, goes off in a straight swap with the inexperienced Rodrigo Palacio taking his place.63rd minute - Côte d'Ivoire substitutionOn: 14 - B. KonéOff: 2 - AkaléBakary Koné is on to offer more attacking options for the Africans.62nd minute - Côte d'Ivoire bookingBooked: 21 - EbouéArsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué goes down for a hard foul on Saviola.56th minute - Côte d'Ivoire substitutionOn: 15 - DindaneOff: 8 - KalouLens striker Aruna Dindane enters in the place of the misfiring Bonaventure Kalou as the Elephants try desperately to get back into the game.55th minuteA free kick from the left by Riquelme goes all the way across the face of goal and goes wide of the far post before anyone can get to it.49th minute - Argentina bookingBooked: 6 - HeinzeGabriel Heinze's rash challenge on Drogba is penalized by the referee with Argentina's second yellow card of the game.48th minuteIt's a good opportunity to make it 3-0. The ball is laid off for Maxi Rodríguez on the right side of the area, but he appears to slow to react and when he does, he fires his shot high.HALF-TIMEArgentina hold a two-goal lead at half-time thanks in part to better finishing than their counterparts in orange.The Ivorians had plenty of chances to get on the scoresheet, and the match should probably be level at 2-2 right now, but their last touch has let them down. They do look a very strong side, however.41st minute - Argentina bookingBooked: 7 - SaviolaThe goalscorer goes down after moving the ball while the Ivorians were preparing to take a free kick.38th minute - GOAL ARGENTINA! (2-0)Goal: 7 - SaviolaWell, the missed chances are haunting the Ivorians now although it appears the goal shouldn't have counted.Javier Saviola is played through on goal by Juan Riquelme and he slides the ball past Tizié, and replays show he beat the offside trap with perfect timing although one of his teammates had drifted off.35th minuteIt's all Côte d'Ivoire, but they can't get it into the net! Kader Keita is the latest victim as he wins a header in the center of the area, but his shot is right at a sliding Abbondanzieri from close range. What a chance!34th minuteKalou will rue this missed chance. A wonderful cross from the left by Yaya Touré finds him at the top of the area, but he shanks his shot wide with more time to fire than he thought.30th minuteThe Elephants are not giving up despite conceding a goal. This time, Bonaventure Kalou has a crack at goal with the right boot, but the ball sails wide of the goal.24th minute - GOAL ARGENTINA! (1-0)Goal: 9 - CrespoA free kick causes mass confusion in the area. The ball lands and no Ivorian players can clear, allowing Hernán Crespo to tuck the ball home to give Argentina the lead!21st minuteThe action is at a frantic pace up and down the pitch with both sides earning corners after getting deep into the area.14th minuteArgentina are crying for a goal to be awarded after Roberto Ayala hits a firm header that Jean-Jacques Tizié parries onto the post. The officials say it didn't cross the line, but it was awfully close and hard to tell by any of the replays. Still 0-012th minuteThe Africans have come out incredibly strong early on here and are enjoying a lion's share of the possession so far, but Roberto Abbondanzieri is yet to be tested.3rd minuteThe Ivorians are attacking early and a cross from the left by Kanga Akale finds Didier Drogba at the top of the area, but the Chelsea striker's header balloons over.KickoffThey're underway in Hamburg!Pre-GameArgentina look to get off to a fine start in the Group of Death and have a nearly fully fit roster to pick from. Gabriel Heinze is fit to start in defense, although it is yet unsure whether Lionel Messi will feature as a substitute.Côte d'Ivoire will field a full-strength side with the attack focusing on captain Didier Drogba, although he will have support from an attacking midfield.LineupsArgentina: Abbondanzieri; Burdisso, Ayala, Heinze, Sorín; Rodríguez, Mascherano, Cambiasso; Riquelme (Aimar 90); Saviola (González 76), Crespo (Palacio 64).Goals: Crespo 24, Saviola 38Booked: Saviola 41, Heinze 49Côte d'Ivoire: Tizié; Eboué, K. Touré, Meite, Boka; Akale (B. Koné 63), Zokora, Y. Touré; Kalou (Dindane 56); Keita (A. Koné 77), Drogba.Goals: Drogba 82Booked: Eboué 62, Drobga 90

Fifa World Cup

Group C
Argentina, Ivory Coast, Serbia and Montenegro, Netherlands.


A “Group of death” is feature in every World Cup tournament, this year being group C. With great and renamed stars in the Argentina and Netherlands squads, both teams are looking to break down his formidable back line.

The “Oranje” and the “Albiceleste” are third and fourth place respectively in Fifa’s ranking. 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. Indeed, among sportsbooks, Argentina is one of the favorites not only to pass to the second round but also among is one of the very favorites to raise the Cup.

Serbia and Montenegro enjoyed an exceptional qualifying tournament, edging past Spain and conceding just one goal in 10 matches. This team showed a very strong defense. Their solidity in the last third of field impressed everyone. The “Famous Four”, Serbia’s well known defense player of Manchester United Nemanja Vidic, Mladen Krstajic of Schalke, Kyiv Dynamo's Goran Gavrancic and Sevilla's Ivica Dragutinovic are a formidable unit ready to defend a spot on that group for round 2. There are a lot of expectations for Germany 2006 and Serbia and Montenegro. Watch them as strong as their qualifications could be a headache for any of the other squads on the group.

It’s not going to be easy for the Ivory Coast being in their first World Cup tournament and in this group; but their dedication and good tactic could be a surprise for this group and entire tournament. The Africans are considered the minnows, but they are nonetheless brimming with talent and enthusiasm. Even, sports betting odds are not in their favor and we will have to wait for the opening games to check on their strategy and self belief that makes them a danger for the other squads.

Among this group, the game on June 21st, Netherlands vs. Argentina is one of the most expected games in the group and the whole tournament. If The Serbia-Montenegrins and the Africans stand on their tactic and self belief the “Group of Death” will be much more than entertaining.

Argentina coach may know starting team, but he isn't saying

Argentina coach Jose Pekerman is not likely to announce his team for Saturday's World Cup Group C opener against the Ivory Coast until an hour before the match.
He has hinted at his first-choice lineup, and a few members on his World Cup squad are bracing to be left out in Hamburg.
Carlos Tevez, the stocky striker regarded by many as Argentina's most dangerous forward, knows he may not start because Hernan Crespo and Javier Saviola are the likely choices up front.

"I don't know if I am going to start or not," Tevez said before Monday's practice. "What I know is that if I get in I'll be doing everything I can for the team. If I sit out the first game, I'll have to support the guys who are playing."
Crespo is the team's only big striker — at six feet one — and is a player who scores almost all his goals lurking in the area. Saviola, Tevez and 18-year-old Lionel Messi are in the five-foot-seven range and appear to be battling for the same starting place playing just off Crespo's shoulder.
Saviola has more experience with the national team, and Messi is billed as a future star. Tevez could be the odd man out.
"We have 23 players with good feet," Tevez said. "It's not just me — Carlitos. There is Saviola, Messi, (Rodrigo) Palacio. If I'm not picked to play and Argentina still wins the World Cup, I'll be happy just the same."
Tevez isn't the only player unsure of his status in the squad. Juan Roman Riquelme, an almost certain starter whose skill led unheralded Villarreal to this season's Champions League semifinals, said he did not know which of his teammates would be alongside him.
"The coach hasn't told us that much," Riquelme said after Monday's practice. "I'd like to play with all of my 22 teammates. That would make me very happy."
The backline, probably Argentina's weakest link, seems sure to start with four defenders — Nicolas Burdisso, Roberto Ayala, Gabriel Heinze and captain Juan Pablo Sorin. Sorin is an attacking defender and, when he moves forward, it's a back line of three.
Heinze has not played since damaging knee ligaments in September in a Champions League game at Villarreal. He says that isn't a bothering him.
"The team's in good shape, there's no problem," Heinze said. "The exception is me having just gone through a long period of inactivity. Our desire and our hopes should erase any physical problems we have."
Roberto Abbondanzieri is likely to be the goalkeeper, although 19-year-old Oscar Ustari is being mentioned. He has yet to play a game for the national team, and the FiFa World Cup Germany 2006 would be a difficult place to start.
The midfield also looks set with Esteban Cambiasso on one wing and Javier Mascherano on the other. Playmakers Maxi Rodriguez and Riquelme will direct things from further up front.
Although Ivory Coast and Serbia-Montenegro look to be difficult games, the key matchup in the group comes June 20 in Frankfurt with Argentina vs. Netherlands. It's a rematch of the 1998 World Cup quarter-final, won 2-1 by the Netherlands.
The Dutch drew 1-1 against Australia on Sunday in Rotterdam, and Tevez was watching on TV.
"The Netherlands is a young team that's up for it, it's very hungry to win," Tevez said. "The Dutch will press you all over the field. It's a team that's in shape to run, but is also very technically talented. On the wings they have very dangerous players, particularly on the left with (Arjen) Robben.
"It will be a very tough game."
In fact, all three will be in what's regarded as the World Cup's toughest group.

Argentina vrs Angola Review

In general, we have to be pleased…
Angola’s only chances came, as we’ve been predicting for 3 months, from egregious ABBONDANZIERI screw-ups. The defense was air tight, but Abbondanzieri was so bad that we should fully expect every team we face to just unload from half field and crash the net looking for rebounds. So far, Abbo is exactly the time bomb we’ve discussed ad nauseum. Either we’ll pay the price or Franco will be seeing some action.
SORIN was Man of the Match. Two of his crosses ended up in goal. Others should have. He was a lion on defense and ball recovery.
RIQUELME made a nice pass or two but, if anything, this game proved that the team can look pretty good even when Riquelme’s not much of a factor.
BURDISSO held his own and didn’t look out of place aside the always reliable AYALA & HEINZE. Defense generally looked outstanding…SCALONI was decent defending, but man does he lack ball skills. In the passing, everyone was singing the same tune but Scaloni.
MESSI is flat-out unreal. The things that can happen between him, TEVEZ, and AIMAR might be all-time, off the charts. I have to believe Pekerman will start Tevez.
Frankly, Pekerman might be the only person in the world who would start Saviola - Crespo over Tevez - Messi. One thing is certain: If a team is holding a Riquelme, Saviola, Crespo line-up to a draw (or down one). Pekerman has a NITRO button which is to bring on Aimar, Tevez, Messi. I’m hoping he finds a look that blends the two by the time we face Holland. Riquelme, Saviola, Crespo should be more than enough for Ivory Coast however.
Otherwise, MAXI looked great as the scoring threat he’s become (save one dive); CAMBIASSO had a quiet game and MASCHERANO looked solid. He got tagged a couple of times but seemed to recover OK.
In sum (and in my opinion), Argentina has more raw material than any other team in their history, OR in this World Cup. If Pekerman and Abbondanzieri don’t drop any t_rds in the proverbial punch bowl…this should be quite a party. Predictions:
Argentina 4 Ivory Coast 2 (Factoring that Abbo is relieved of duty by Franco after at least one gift goal)Argentina 2 S&M 1Argentina 2 Holland 1
Argentina 3 Portugal 2

Coloccini: Argentina can make semis, but aren't favourites

Argentina have a realistic chance of making the semi-finals at the upcoming football World Cup in Germany but rivals Brazil are the favourites, defender Fabricio Coloccini said in an interview published on Wednesday.
'I think making the semi-finals is a realistic aim. We should be able to do that once again,' the Deportivo La Coruna player Coloccini told Germany's Sport Bild weekly.
Argentina won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986 but have not been in the final four since 1990 when they lost the final to Germany.
At the 2002 edition Argentina even crashed out in the first round although the team was among the top favourites.
'It is better not be rated among the favourites,' said Coloccini, who like team-mate Juan Pablo Sorin rates the holders and record five-time winners Brazil favourites.
Like in 2002 (against England, Nigeria and Sweden) Argentina face a tough group stage again at the June 9-July event in Germany, drawn against the Netherlands, Serbia and Montenegro and the Ivory Coast.

The World Cup Preview

By Graham Harvey
WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer

America loves “World Champions”.

Baseball has “The World Classic”, NFL crowns its version at the Superbowl, and the NBA finds theirs after a grueling season.

However, this summer all these “local” events fade into insignificance when you realize that every country on this planet will be talking about, reading, and watching “THE World Cup” – no exceptions!

It’s taken time for a country that exports its culture to import the World’s favorite game. Even in 1994, those “funny men” running on grass in “silk pyjamas” did not catch John Doe’s imagination in America’s heartland.

So what’s all the fuss about every four years when the world goes crazy and falls into a footballing trance while America carries on with their summer sports?Well, “The World Cup” embodies more than a team trying to win. Footballers transform into “warriors” – national heroes – and the football pitch becomes more than a piece of turf, it’s a battleground for global supremacy.The World Cup is the only event where a team represents a country and 100% of its population gets behind them and lives every kick, breathes every goal, and cries at every defeat.As one famous British manager once told a reporter, "Someone said 'football is more important than life and death to you' and I said 'Listen, it's more important than that'."Footballers have been shot dead for missing penalties, and two nations went to war over a football match (El Salvador and Honduras).It’s the “global game” – that’s why American companies scramble to push their products into every country via this competition. Look at Coca-Cola, Yahoo, and McDonalds – as you guys say, “They’ve got game!”So, who’s going to win?Of course, being English – you would think I would say England. But sadly, after “our” coach (well – he is Swedish really) got caught out by a number of faux pas like having close bedtime relations with an FA secretary (who also had intimate relationships with other high ranking members) who spilled the beans to a “fake Sheikh” in Dubai about the team and then had “secret” meetings (well, secret enough that Britain’s famous media hounds snapped photos of Sven going into these “secret” meetings) with top domestic clubs.You can see why your average “Brit” thinks Sven’s mind is not focused on the Cup.In fact, after all these little snags, the FA decided to wish him “Good luck and goodbye”.Now, in your job – if your company says, “we’ve got a major launch happening and then you’re fired after it”, are you actually going to go the “Whole Ten Yards?” Not likely.In fact, the whole footballing world will be packed into one nation. Deals will be done for players, and it is not against the realms of reality that while Sven is thinking about where he will be in August, his agent will be on the mobile phone talking to rich European clubs about Sven’s future employment.Now, what would you rather focus on – an employer’s ultimate dream after already firing you or a shiny new multi-million dollar contract with one of Europe’s richest clubs? Go figure!For the duration of the World Cup, teams take over hotels and make them secure camps. So, within this secure zone, if you see Sven on the practice pitch or walking around the hotel with his mobile close by – it could be suggested that he is not waiting for Nancy (his other half) to call him to update him on missed episodes of “Lost” or “Desperate Housewives”!So who can win the Cup? Well, obviously it would be boring to say “Brazil”. But sadly, the talent within the side is amazing and a repeat of 2002 Japan’s victory is on the cards.What about another European challenge? Well, everyone knows Italy has a great footballing history. However, the sport is in crisis – it’s so bad that Sven talking to another football club about joining them whilst under contract with the FA – is small fry when you consider what has surfaced in Italy.OK, think about this and I’ll put it in American sporting terms. Of course, before any American lawyers start firing off writs to me – I am not saying that any of the following could or would happen in the NFL. But consider what the outcry would be if the New England Patriots were stripped of their two Superbowl titles. Or if the owner, Robert Kraft, dictated who the on-field umpires would be for all their matches. Or picture the Patriots’ owner locking umpires in their dressing rooms after a game because they didn’t give “favourable” decisions, the owner’s son running the most influential sports agency in NFL, and this same man dictating who gets bought and sold within the whole NFL community. What would happen if the Pats’ leading QB admits to gambling on NFL matches although it is banned? Then the NFL chief commissioner resigns, and to cap it all George “Dubya” Bush takes some time off from his “crusade” in the Middle East to appoint a new commissioner to oversee the “damaged” sport.This scenario is exactly what has happened in the past month in Italy. The Azzuri are truly “blue” and the dark cloud of corruption hangs over the Italian dream – there’s too much baggage being taken to Germany.So, if you discard England and Italy – two of the favourites – where are the dark horses to run against the thoroughbred Brazilians? Holland and Spain usually turn up, and when everyone thinks they’ll be the “belles of the ball” – they trip up on the global dance floor and never see it out to the end. France are always a side that oozes class. Thierry Henry is in his prime, Gallas and many other EPL stars are at their peak – but can eleven stars gel into one cohesive unit? Germany for a month will tell.The minnows always have no chance. Sorry Trinidad & Tobago, Saudi Arabia et al.The winner is easy to predict – it is always the football fan that feasts on this extravaganza. The team that lifts the trophy – well – you always want a pundit to give his opinion and take a good stance. I apologise, but yes, I am realistic and yes, I know my football and yes, I want to be next to a young nubile Brazilian girl when they lift The World Cup on July 9th, 2006!

¡OFFICIAL LIST!

The official list for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ has been confirmed by Pekerman himself, at 5 PM (ES). Here are the details:

Goalkeepers:
Abbondanzieri - Leo Franco - Ustari

Defense:
Coloccini - Cufré - Ayala - Gabriel Milito - Heinze - Burdisso - Sorin

Midfield:
Lucho González - Maxi Rodríguez - Cambiasso - Mascherano - Aimar - Riquelme - Scaloni

Forwards:
Palacio - Crespo - Tevez - Messí - Cruz - Saviola

I am overall pleased with the list, although some people might strongly disagree; I think we have a good combination of players. The absence of Zanetti is of course still intriguing, as well as the selection of some players ahead of others, such as Palacio instead of Agüero.However, with our attack as strong as it is, I can definitely see us going to the finals.After all, you can only win if you score, and only lose if you don’t score (Duh!).¡Vamos Argentina! ¡Vamos Argentina! ¡Vamos Argentina!

World Cup notebook: Argentines fit?

Argentina coach Jose Pekerman said Tuesday he was worried about his team's physical condition, and how it could affect the two-time champion's showing at the World Cup.
Pekerman, who is hosting a pre-World Cup reunion of 14 Argentina internationals outside Madrid, said it was impossible to determine fitness until the final tournament begins.
"National championships stretch players to the limit. Then the time you have up to the tournament isn't enough to recover from injuries and this leads to doubts right until the end," Pekerman was quoted as saying by news agency Efe. "The big worry is that players, apart from their ability, must be in top physical condition."
Sixteen players — 15 players who play in Europe, plus Boca Juniors goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri — were initially called up for the two-day meeting, although Villarreal midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme and FC Porto midfielder Luis Gonzalez did not attend.
Gonzalez has stayed in Portugal to prepare for Porto's Portuguese Cup final against Setubal next Sunday, while Riquelme has returned to Argentina due to a "personal problem," Pekerman said.