World Cup at a glance
A look at Day 7 of the 2006 World Cup on Friday:
Results
Argentina 6, Serbia-Montenegro 0
Netherlands 2, Ivory Coast 1
Mexico 0, Angola 0
Highlights
Argentina and the Netherlands secured places in the round of 16 with wins over Serbia-Montenegro and Ivory Coast, respectively. They will meet next week to determine the winner of Group C, viewed by many as the toughest in the tournament.
Angola earned its first World Cup point when it stunned Mexico, the seeded team in Group D, with a 0-0 draw.
The Black Antelopes played the last part of their game against Mexico with 10 players after Andre received his second yellow card in the 79th minute.
In and out
Argentina, the Netherlands, Ecuador, Germany and England have clinched spots in the second round.
Ivory Coast, Serbia-Montenegro, Poland, Costa Rica and Paraguay have been eliminated.
Stars
“Maxi Rodriguez, Argentina, scored in the sixth minute and again in the 41st to help his team get off to a fast start.
“Joao Ricardo, Angola, made several saves and intercepted dangerous crosses to help preserve Angola’s tie.
Goal of the day
Argentina’s second goal featured a combination of skillful passing that may not be surpassed at this tournament. On the left wing, Javier Saviola started the play by sending a pass to his right and just outside the box to Esteban Cambiasso. Rather than taking possession of the ball, Cambiasso deflected it with his left foot into the penalty area to Hernan Crespo near the penalty spot. With a defender next to him and Crespo facing toward the right sideline, Crespo back-heeled a pass to the charging Cambiasso, whose left-footed shot soared past goalkeeper Dragoslav Jevric and into the left side of the net.
Quotable
“Our fans were our strongest point at this tournament. Those who were at the stadium were fantastic. … I’m disappointed above all with the lack of results. Our soccer is what it is – it’s average and the team is average.”
– Michal Listkiewicz, president of Poland’s soccer federation, speaking two days after Poland was eliminated after not scoring a goal in losses to Ecuador and Germany.