The Mangler On Sports

Group C: Argentina, Netherlands, Serbia & Montenegro, Ivory Coast

History: The Diego Maradona era was clearly Argentina's best. They were champions in their own country in 1978 (sans Maradona, a late cut) and again in Mexico '86. They nearly won for a third time in four tries in 1990, but lost the final to West Germany in a re-match of 1986 on Andreas Brehme's '85 minute penalty conversion. They have had several other respecable showings, and lost the first ever World Cup final to Uruguay in 1930. 2002 saw Argentina upset in the group stage. Surprisingly, the Netherlands have qualified for the tournament very few times in their history. But they have made good on their limited appearances, reaching back-to-back finals in 1974 and 1978, though they lost them both. After climbing the ladder in the 1990s, capped by a 4th place finish at France '98, they failed to qualify for 2002. Serbia & Montenegro is making thier first appearance (they were part of Yugoslavia in previous World Cups), as is the Ivory Coast.

Argentina: This perenial powerhouse will be looking to make up for a group stage ouster at Korea/Japan 2002. They drew a tough group then, and have done the same again, but expectations are sky-high nonetheless. The defense is solid with Roberto Ayala as it's anchor, along with captain Juan Sorin. The midfield is home to superb playmaker Juan Riquelme, who will need to perform well if Argentina is to be successful. Up front they have 18 year old sensation Lionel Messi who burst onto the scene this year with Barcelona. The one glaring weakness might be between the sticks, where Argentina has turned to Boca Juniors keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri to keep balls out of the net. The pressure is on, for another first round exit would be a national embarassment.

Netherlands: New coach Marco van Basten has greatly revamped the squad that went out in the semi-final of Euro 2004. Mainstays like Kluivert, Seedorf, and Davids have been replaced by younger, more team-oriented players. The Dutch are loaded at forward with Ruud van Nistelrooij and Arjen Robben. Dirk Kuijt and Robin van Persie provide more than adequate support. The midfield also appears capable with veteran Philip Cocu to provide leadership. The defense is largely untested, with only Giovanni von Bronckhorst having significant experience, but they only conceded three goals in qualifying. That though, is largely due to the all-world goaltending of the ageless Edwin van der Sar, who at 35 is still one of the top keepers in the world. If they continue their strong team play, the Dutch will be a force to be reckoned with.

Serbia & Montenegro: This is a team built around thier world class defense. They recorded shutouts in nine of ten qualifiers to finish atop a group that included Spain. The "Big 4" backs, the most notable being Manchester United's Nimanja Vidic, only drawback is thier on the edge style that sometimes gets them booked to often. In fact, Vidic will sit out the opener after being sent off in the final qualifying match. Inter Milan's Dejan Stankovic will lead a workmanlike midfield, while Mateja Kezman and Savo Milosevic will be counted on up front. This defense-first squad is similar to the Greek team that won Euro 2004, and might very well be the darkhorse of this tournament.

Ivory Coast: The group draw was most unkind to the Ivory Coast, probably Africa's strongest entrant. If they were to switch places with fellow African squads such as Angola (Group D), or Togo (Group G) they would have a decent shot at advancing . As it stands they are underdogs, but that will not deter them. Any success will likely start and end with Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, one of the world's best. There is talent in the midfield, but chemistry has been an issue. Defense is also a question mark with only Kolo Toure considered a world class man-marker. In the net Jean-Jacques Tizie provides a reliable backstop. Ivory Coast looked to be the African team with the best chance at making a deep run in the tournament like Senegal in 2002, but they could be in over thier heads in this group.

Match to Watch: Argentina v Netherlands, June 21. Two highly skilled teams do battle in the last group match. Though they are the favorites, they have two other quality opponents in thier pool, so dont be surprised if the loser of this match is going home tremendously disappointed.

Prediction: 1) Netherlands, 2) Serbia and Montenegro, 3) Argentina, 4) Ivory Coast. That's right, I've picked Argentina to again be upset. Netherlands' superior forwards and goaltending will put them atop the group, followed by my darkhorse pick of the tournament Serbia and Montenegro. Ivory Coast is easily the best 4th place team at the tournament, but that is little consolation after their hard fought effort comes up short.