Day 4, Match 1

DUTCH LOOK IMPRESSIVE

Holland 1 Serbia & Montenegro 0

The Lowdown: Holland came out strong from the opening kickoff and earned a deserved win against a fiercely competitive, but uncreative Serbia side.

Match Rating: 3 out of 5. The Dutch played very attractive, offensive football spearheaded by Arjen Robben. Serbia reluctantly came out of their shell in the second half.

Player of the Match: Robben. An absolute holy terror down the left flank, running at defenders every time he had the ball and scoring the only goal on a beautifully executed breakaway. It's absolutely ridiculous when you consider he will be joined at Chelsea next season by Shevchenko and Ballack, along with Crespo and Drogba who are already there. Sick.

Disappointment of the Match: Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutch striker was largely invisible and substituted later on. Credit Serbia' smothering defense.

Huh? A Serbia player was yellow carded for suggesting that a Holland player should be yellow carded. Careful what you wish for.

The Fallout: Serbia are in hot water, needing a result against mighty Argentina in their next match. Holland will face a similarly desperate Ivory Coast eam in a match that should be an absolute gem. This truly is the group of death. But not the worst in history. Get a load of this one from 1978: Argentina, Italy, France, Hungary. Insane.

Extra: Holland look like serious contenders to go all the way. England should watch their games and take notes because Sven's lead protectioning brand of play is going to lead to more heartbreak.