 |
Javier Saviola (R) is congratulated by Argentinian midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme after scoring (AFP Photo) |
In a highly entertaining Group C event in Hamburg, two first half goals from Hernan Crespo and Javier Saviola helped Argentina to a 2-1 win over Côte d'Ivoire in Hamburg on Saturday, June 10.
The Albiceleste took the lead at the 24th minute when Crespo scored a classic poacher’s goal. Henri Michel’s side failed to cope with a Juan Roman Riquelme free-kick and the Chelsea striker was on hand to turn the loose ball home.
Argentina doubled their advantage fourteen minutes later when Riquelme picked out Saviola with a great pass and the striker produced a beautiful finish to steer the ball past Jean-Jacques Tizie.
 |
| An Argentinian supporter was cheering at the game (AFP Photo) |
Didier Drogba, Crespo’s team-mate at Chelsea, gave the Ivorians hope with a goal eight minutes from time, but the South Americans hung on to secure the three points.
Argentina held on for a precious victory in a classic end-to-end encounter, but Côte d’Ivoire were desperately unlucky not to claim in a point in a frenetic finish.
The Ivorians, playing their first game in the World Cup finals, shocked their South American opponents with a frenetic opening spell.
The powerful running of Arthur Boka, Didier Zokora and Kanga Akale opened up the Argentinian defence at will before the break.
