Group C Final Games

Group C Final Games
Argentina secured first place in Group C and a Round of 16 meeting with Mexico after a 0-0 draw with the Netherlands in Frankfurt on Wednesday, 21 June 2006.
The stalemate between two sides already assured of qualification left them tied on seven points at the top of the group, with Argentina finishing first virtue of their better goal difference. While Jose Pekerman's team move on to face Mexico in Leipzig on Saturday, the Dutch will play Portugal in Nuremberg 24 hours later.
Players' Quotes
Carlos TEVEZ (ARG), Budweiser Man of the Match:
We’re happy with the result although it would have been nicer to take the three points. We were the better side, but we couldn’t quite take our chances. I felt comfortable out there but you could see we lacked a little co-ordination with (Lionel) Messi and (Juan) Riquelme. They left the odd gap in defence, but we couldn't make the most of it. Even so, it's great to finish top of such a difficult group.
Mark VAN BOMMEL (NED):
We've just played a team capable of winning the World Cup, so we can be perfectly satisfied with the result. Both teams were already through to the second round, so the pattern of the match was hardly a surprise. We have two scores to settle with our next opponents Portugal, one from EURO 2004 and one from 2002 World Cup qualifying.

Roberto ABBONDANZIERI (ARG):

We were solid and secure, and played a great game against an excellent team. I thought we created clearer chances than they did and deserved to win. It was a useful night for us in terms of our next game. We know where we have to improve, but we’re in a relaxed frame of mind ahead of the big match against Mexico. They will be really difficult, but you expect that in the knockout stages.

Ruud VAN NISTELROOIJ (NED):

We're running into form. We didn't create many chances today, but we played well as a team. It was a good result in that respect. Portugal beat us two years ago, but the next game is something completely different. This is a new, young team, and we have new ideas. We'll do what needs to be done to win. We're feeling great, because we've taken seven points from this extremely difficult group. We've had tough opponents already, and we know we only have tough opponents ahead. So we know we have to improve if we're to go a long way.

Lionel MESSI (ARG):

It was a difficult game. There wasn’t much space and you have to remember that Holland have a lot of skilful players. Next up are Mexico, who are a strong team and play good football. There are no easy opponents at this stage of the tournament, though. As for me, well I feel fit enough to get through 90 minutes, but I was tired at the end because I haven’t played for a while. Now is when the real World Cup begins.

Phillip COCU (NED):

A goalless draw against opponents of this quality is a good result. We were much better than we were against Côte d'Ivoire, when they bossed us for long spells. The new players all made a good start. They'll be confident now.

In conclusion:

The Netherlands have not lost in normal time to Argentina in four meetings in the FIFA World Cup™, but it is the South Americans who finish the group stage marginally happier having secured first place. The unbeaten records of both should ensure they look ahead to the Round of 16 with confidence.

CÔTE D'IVOIRE-SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO

Coaches' Quotes

Henri MICHEL (CIV):

I’m satisfied that we finally won our first match after all our efforts. Once again we were up against the same problems tonight as we had in previous matches, except that instead of conceding two goals within 20 minutes, this time it was within ten minutes. That makes things very complicated. Despite that, we tried to rebuild.
There is a weakness in this team. We need a lot of opportunities to get one or two goals and at this level that’s not good enough. If Côte d’Ivoire want to rise to the highest level, they will have to iron out these problems. I think they have a lot of potential, but that’s nothing new. Unfortunately, some our players were not in the best shape at this World Cup.
They have a good future ahead of them but they have to work hard and not listen to people who would have them believe that they are the best team in the world. They need to go back to work quickly to qualify for the next World Cup in 2010. If the team go on working hard, they can be there.
My contract stops tonight and my future destination is Qatar. I will be going to a club and that will be another interesting challenge. I haven't received a real proposal yet but we will see. This was the first time Côte d’Ivoire have played against major football nations and not only teams from Africa and that is precious experience for the team. I am proud and satisfied of my work, despite all the criticism I have had to stomach.

Ilija PETKOVIC (SCG):

As national coach, I regret what happened to Mladen Krstajic. It was difficult for me to see one of my players sustain such an injury. It was quite a shock to us so early in the game. We think he has broken his left arm and he will require surgery.
Hopefully we will come back and leave a better impression than we have here. I will need more time to take stock. At this World Cup there has been considerable progress by all teams. Football keeps getting better and it will continue to improve until the last match. Everyone has a final match to play, big or small, but we played a small one. We need to reflect and prepare for the future. Everyone will remember this World Cup and so will we.
Côte d’Ivoire were outstanding, but they were also unfortunate because they could have finished second in this group. I'm very proud of my team for the way they qualified for this World Cup and also proud that they scored two goals. I'm pleased we have improved on the bad impression we left in the first two matches. We will come back and find new talent.