Day 8 got off to a good start with Argentina giving a fearsome show of attacking strength as they swept aside Serbia and Montenegro 6-0 in Gelsenkirchen 6-0 to send them crashing out of the tournament. Argentina, who took a 3-0 lead into the second half, doubled their tally in Gelsenkrichen in 10 scintillating minutes with goals from Hernan Crespo, Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi.
The Orange boys of Holland sealed a World Cup second-round berth after repelling a brave fightback by Ivory Coast in Stuttgart. The Dutch went ahead with a stunning free-kick from Robin van Persie on 23 minutes before Ruud van Nistelrooy hit a sweet second four minutes later. Bakari Kone pulled one back for the Ivorians when he smashed home from 25 yards after a powerful run. But the Africans bowed out of the tournament as Holland held on for their second Group C victory.
In the last game of the day, Palancras Negras of Angola caused a shock by holding Mexico to a goalless draw, despite playing the last 11 minutes with 10 men. Mexico enjoyed all the best chances, but a combination of poor finishing and the acrobatics from the Angolan keeper Joao Ricardo kept them out. Andre Macanga was sent off after 79 minutes after handling the ball and being shown a second yellow card. Ivory Coast became the first African team to be kicked out.
Tags: Argentina, Ivory Coast, Holland,
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