Awesome Argentina turn up the heat
Agony for Ivory
Jubilant Angola claim first point
—– The first week of the World Cup has been played out in unexpectedly high temperatures in Germany and - in terms of the quality of play - Argentina turn up the heat considerably higher with a stunning 6-0 thrashing of Serbia & Montenegro in Gelsenkirchen.
Jose Pekerman’s team become the new favourites with a performance of outstanding quality, technique and style.
The highlight is their second goal which is a genuine contender for the new AFS World Cup Wonder Goal of All-Time. A 24-pass move culminates in a Hernan Crespo backheel setting-up Esteban Cambiasso for a clinical finish.
Crespo and Maxi Rodriguez (2) and also on the scoresheet before subs Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi add further gloss to a polished performance.
Pekerman is justifiably impressed: “I cannot remember when we last played as well. We were on a roll after the first two goals and it is clear we have a great team.”
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—– In their first World Cup finals, Ivory Coast continue to impress but are still without a point and unable to progress to then knockout stages after an unlucky 1-2 defeat by Holland in Stuttgart.
Premiership duo Robin Van Persie and Ruud Van Nistelrooy put the Dutch two up in the first half-hour but the Ivorians refuse to yield and pull a goal back before the interval with a superb effort from the diminutive Bakari Kone.
They can’t find a leveller though as the Dutch show their mettle and extend their unbeaten run to 14 games, and go through with Argentina before they meet in the final Group C game next week.
—– Angola cause the shock of the World Cup so far as they hold Mexico to a goalless draw in Hanover.
The Mexican’s are fourth in the FIFA rankings and impressed in their opening game 3-1 win against Iran.
Angola is probably the poorest nation ever to reach the finals. The average income is the equivalent of barely £4.50 a week, average life expectancy is 45 years and the country ranks 166th of 177 nations on the United Nations human-poverty index.
With magnificent spirit, the Black Impalas gamely defied the odds and the highly-rated Mexicans, although they had to thank keeper Joao Ricardo for an inspired display.
After three decades of civil war that claimed 1.5million lives, the historic point is met with wild celebrations from the Angolan fans.
—– Meanwhile back in England, another day, so it must be yet another new manager.
Today it’s Championship Preston North End who appoint Paul Simpson after the former Rochdale boss has led Carlisle United in back-to-back promotions from the Conference to League One.
He replaces Billy Davies who has left for Derby County after guiding the Lilywhites to the Play-Offs in consecutive seasons.
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