Debutants eager to atone for first night flops

World Cup debutants Ivory Coast, Serbia & Montenegro and Angola all have the chance to pull off upset wins today to make up for fluffing their lines on their opening nights. The day's action begins in Gelsenkirchen when Argentina take on Serbia, who are desperate to atone for their limp display in a 1-0 Group C defeat by Netherlands after having qualified so impressively.

Ivory Coast, a little unfortunate to lose 2-1 to Argentina, has another tough challenge when they take on the Dutch in Stuttgart. Angola, who looked terrified at the start of their 1-0 defeat by Portugal, should at least be less nervous when they complete the day against Mexico in Group D in Hanover.

Group C looked to be toughest when the draw was made last December, but the two new boys will need to find something extra to prevent Argentina and Netherlands securing their expected last 16 places before their eagerly-awaited clash on June 21. Serbia failed to seriously trouble the Dutch rearguard and so might call up 2.02m striker Nikola Zigic to take advantage of Argentina's relatively small central defensive duo of Roberto Ayala and Gabriel Heinze.

Encouraging signs
Ivory Coast arrived in Germany as probably the strongest of the five African sides having lost the Nations Cup final on penalties to Egypt earlier this year. They showed some encouraging signs against Argentina, especially in the second half, and powerful striker Didier Drogba is capable of upsetting even the ultra-composed Dutch defenders. Netherlands prefer a less physical approach to attack and fleet-footed winger Arjen Robben, outstanding in the first game, ever-improving forward Robin van Persie and main striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will pose tough questions for the Africans.

Mexico needed two late goals to subdue Iran 3-1 in their first game, and might need to be patient again against Angola, who found their feet after a woeful start versus Portugal. The Mexicans will again be without injured striker Jared Borgetti, with Omar Bravo, who hit two goals against Iran, likely to partner Guillermo Franco up front.

Yesterday England, Ecuador and Germany all moved into the last 16. England needed two late goals by Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard to beat Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 to reach six points after their opening 1-0 win over Paraguay. - Reuters