HOLLAND - IVORY COAST

HOLLAND MOVE ON, GUTSY IVORIANS LEFT HEARTBROKEN

HOLLAND 2 IVORY COAST 1

The Lowdown: This always promised to be a good match and it didn't disappoint. Once again the African debutants found themselves in a two goal hole and once again they managed to pull one back. Their relentless search for an equaliser left Dutch fans biting their nails, but it wasn't to be and a very talented but unfortunate side will be going home.

Match Rating: 4 out of 5. Great goals by Van Persie(aka the new Bergkamp), Van Nistelrooy and Ivory Coast's Bakari Kone. Some great play going forward by both teams. Drogba's yellow an unfortunate blight on the game.

Man of the Match: Robin Van Persie. The talented striker drilled a rocket goal from a free kick and was dangerous throughout. Kudos to Van Nistelrooy for scoring the first World Cup goal of his illustrious career. I wonder if Alex Ferguson was watching.

Disappointment of the Match: Ivory Coast are easily one of the most entertaining sides at this World Cup with some tremedous skill and speed in attack. Unfortunately, their finishing left something to be desired for a second straight match. When Drogba received a harsh yellow late in the first half for the slightest of taps against Dutch keeper Van der Sar(which means Drogba misses the next match) you got the feeling that Ivory Coast's chances of advancing were done for.

Huh? Van Persie's lightning free kick was so fast the goalie didn't even see it. Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger will be pleased.

The Fallout: The Coast is toast. Holland will battle Argentina in an epic for first place in the group in what could be the game of the tournament. My money's on the Argies but Holland are a definite contender to go far, despite conceding a whole lot of possession in the second half.

Extra: Shame to see the enterprising Ivorians go home. They were Africa's best hope at this Cup but such is the group of death. Holland and Argentina have played some epic Cup matches before, most notably the 1978 Final which Argentia won on home soil and the 1994 match that was decided by Dennis Bergkamp's sublime control and volley. Here's to another great encounter.