ARGENTINA - SERBIA & MONTENEGRO

SERBIA TORN APART

ARGENTINA 6 SERBIA 0

The Lowdown: Normally when you think of Serbia being torn apart you think civil war, but today was something different. This was a good, old-fashioned yet highly fashionable ass-whupping. The Argies went on the assault from the opening whistle by employing three forwards and by half-time they were comfortably ahead 3-0. Serbia were forced to come out of their formerly renowned defensive shell in the second half and were decimated by Argentina's incredible passing.

Match Rating: 3 out of 5. Yes, the goals were spectacular but I can't give such a one-sided affair a high rating.

Man of the Match: Should go to the whole Argentinian team with Sorin, Riquelme, Saviola, Cambiasso, and later subs Messi and Tevez delighting the fans, but I have to give it to Hernan Crespo. His absolutely sublime backheel set up the first goal by Cambiasso and he later sent a Messi pass home to announce his early candidacy for the Golden Boot award.

Disappointment of the Match: The Serbians are a cynical lot, and it's no wonder considering the strife their country has been through. When the groups were drawn they cried conspiracy at being put into the Group of Death. Then after their opening loss to Holland there was dissension in the ranks with some of the players questioning the coach's tactics. Well, I'd hate to be around the team in the upcoming days, that's for sure. Star striker Kezman not only didn't find the net but left his team reeling by getting red-carded for a reckless tackle. You could just hear the old derogatory Chelsea fans' chant in your mind, "C'mon Kezman C'mon Kezman C'mon Kezman."

Huh? Maradona has attended both Argentina matches and sits among the fans, not in some pressbox. Props for that.

The Fallout: Serbia gave up one goal in ten qualifying matches. They've given up seven in two mathces at the finals and will play Ivory Coast for pride. Argentina not only move on, but stake a definitive claim as best team at the tournament. Their game with Holland will determine group winner, with Holland needing a win to secure first based on goal differential.

Extra: Messi is back. The 18-year-old "next Diego Maradona" came on in the second half and picked up right where he left off for Barcelona before getting injured. Argentina are one scary squad. Here's the funny part: Serbia are not a bad team. They gave Holland a fight but today they ran into some globetrotter shit. Cambiasso's goal gets my vote for best of the tournament so far, though Crespo has to get most of the credit for that ridiculous backheel. This squad has only four players left over from the disappointing 2002 side. Their coach is a proven winner and they will be very, very tough to beat.