In what was expected to be one of the best matches so far in the 2006 World Cup, was just that, a great Match. Cote D’Ivoire needed a win to keep alive in the tournament, and played like a desparate team. The match was played at a high rate, very competetive and very exciting. The Netherlands jumped out ahead on a fantastic free kick by Van Persie (he’s only 22 ladies), and a goal by Van Nistelrooij when one of the defenders fell asleep and kept him onside inside the 18 yard box. CIV faught back with a goal by Kone near the end of the first half, but really couldn’t do much else beyond that.
VAN PERSIE Robin (23′)
VAN NISTELROOIJ Ruud (27′)
KONE Bakary (38′)
Really a bad turn of luck for CIV, as they most likely could have qualified to the second round through just about any other group, but having to play both Argentina and Netherlands during the first week, sealed their fate. They played well in both matches, and looked the more dangerous team for long stretches of each match, but just couldn’t finish when needed. Netherlands are off to the second round, following a match with Argentina for first place in the group.