June 11, 2006
Serbia and Montenegro play Netherlands in a Group C encounter in Leipzig at 3:00 PM German time (9:00 PM EST)
Serbia and Montenegro’s debut at soccer ‘s greatest stage. And now Montenegro is gone. Such is the political fluidity in the world nowadays. But they are hoping that Dejan Stancovic produces his magic in midfield. Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United will lead the sentinels. Mateja Kezman of Atletico Madrid and Savo Milosevic, will be the main threat up front.
This is Netherlands 8th appearance. Van Basten’s boys are hoping that they go all the way and erase the bitter memories of the 1974 and 1978 losses to W. Germany and Argentina. He has put together a team that has a formidable attacking trio of Robin Van Persie, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, and Arjen Robben- who all play for the EPL. In midfield you have veteran Philip Cocu, surely playing in his last World Cup, Wesley Sneijder and Mark Van Bommel. Giovanni Van Bronckhorst and Joris Matheissen anchor the defence. Edwin Van Der Saar, will be his dependable self at goal.
Key match ups: Dutch midfield control; Serbia and Montenegro’s marking Robin Van Persie, the dangerous Dutch striker. It will be a busy day for Dragoslav Jevric, the goalkeeper. Luckily, for Serbia and Montengro, he is at his best. The much maligned Dutch defense should face a stiff test with Mateja Kezman.
Iran vs Mexico in a Group D encounter in Nuremburg at 6:00 PM German time (12 Noon EST)
Nuremburg- the site of the infamous war tribunal of WWII. But now playing host to two countries that had very little to do with that war.
This is Iran’s 3rd appearance in the World Cup and they have never made it past the first round. Ali Daei, the world’s most prolific scorer and his boys from Team Melli will be looking to improving that record. And they have a good chance. Iran has an excellent midfield line in Ali Karimi and Mehdi Mahdavikia. Up front they have the dangerous Vahid Hashemian.
Mexico is minus Cuahatemoc Blanco who had a falling out with his coach. But they have veteran striker Jared Borgetti and Omar Bravo up front. Goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez whose father died recently was questionable for the opener but is now expected to start. Mexico’s defence is led by the superb Rafael Marquez of Barcelona. Jesus Arellano is Mexico’s medio.
Key match ups: Mexico’s defence against the midfield threat of Ali Karimi and Mehdi Mahdavikia. Jared Borgetti’s opportunism in front of the Iran goal.