Holland through as unlucky Ivory Coast go home
The Dutch beat the Ivory Coast in Stuttgart 2-1 to ensure qualification to the last 16. Holland now play Argentina to decide who tops the group and must be glad that they do not have to win to progress given the form that Argentina have displayed.
Robin van Persie opened the scoring with a great free kick which he powered into the top left hand corner. Ruud van Nistelrooy doubled the lead shortly afterwards. But the Ivorians never give up. Didier Zokora’s long range effort cannoned off the bar before Bakari Kone, an impressive substitute in the first game, scored an excellent solo goal to reduce the deficit at half-time. The Ivorians pushed the Dutch hard in the second half and needed Van Persie’s clearance on the line to keep out Drogba’s header.
Holland looked good going forward, but with Robben once again way too selfish could not increase their lead. However their defence struggled to cope with the direct running and ability of the Ivorians. The Ivory Coast must be the unluckiest side in the tournament. They have played extremely well in their first two matches but the draw did them no favours. Hopefully, they will get the win they deserve against S&M.
