Hamburg, Germany (My Sportsbook) - Despite a late goal by striker Didier Drogba, Argentina secured a 2-1 win over Group C opponent Cote d'Ivoire Saturday in Hamburg. The Albiceleste, who captured the World Cup in 1978 and 1986, enjoyed a comfortable two goal lead in the first half, before Drogba's goal in the second created a heated 2-1 affair. Argentina's Hernan Crespo opened the scoring in the 24th minute as he found Juan Riquelme's free-kick in the six-yard box. The 30-year-old forward collected the loose ball and fired past Ivory Coast goalkeeper Jean-Jacques Tizie. The strike marked Crespo's second World Cup goal. Javier Saviola then doubled Argentina's lead in the 38th minute, as he capitalized on a through ball from Riquelme. Expecting a shutout, Argentina fans were stunned as Chelsea's Drogba rifled a shot past Argentina goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri to end the game, 2-1. With Saturday's victory, Argentina won its fourth straight World Cup opener. The team faces Serbia-Montenegro on Friday in its second group match, while the Ivory Coast battles the Netherlands. |
