Live from Germany

Argies set to meet Mexico, Holland face Portugal in last-16

Argentina were given a stern test by the Netherlands on Wednesday but held on for a 0-0 draw to set up a last-16 meeting with Mexico on Saturday while Portugal who beat the Aztecs 2-1 earlier in the day means Luiz Felipe Scolari's impressive side take on Holland on Sunday.

Ivorian forward Aruna Dindane (R) celebrate with Ivorian forward Bonaventure Kalou after he scored the go-ahead goal on a penalty kick during the opening round Group C World Cup football match between the Ivory Coast and Serbia and Montenegro at Munich's World Cup Stadium, 21 June 2006. The Ivory Coast came from behind to win the match 3-2. AFP PHOTO / ROBERTO SCHMIDT

Angola's brave attempt to pull off a surprise qualification came unstuck when they were pegged back to 1-1 by Iran but fellow African nation Ivory Coast pulled off their first ever World Cup win with a come from behind 3-2 win over hapless Serbia and Montenegro.

Argentina rested several key players but still had the Dutch against the wall in the opening half with Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez doing the damage.

A lack of cold blooded finishing allowed the Dutch to hang on for most of the match at 0-0 before they came out of their shell towards the final whistle when they sensed a goal might win them the group.

Meanwhile in Munich, two goals from Aruna Dindane and a late Bonaventure Kalou penalty cancelled out a 2-0 first-half deficit and gave the Ivory Coast a goodbye present as they leave the World Cup with pride on their first appearance.

More fabulous football on Thursday

Earlier in the day, despite being beaten 2-1 by Portugal, ten-man Mexico scraped into the last-16 from Group D after Angola failed to beat Iran.

Brazilian head coach of the Portuguese team Luiz Felipe Scolari (L) and a team member celebrate after the goal of midfielder Maniche during the World Cup 2006 group D football game Portugal vs. Mexico, 21 June 2006 at Gelsenkirchen stadium. AFP PHOTO NICOLAS ASFOURI

At one point qualification looked wide open with Angola leading Iran 1-0 and Mexico trailing Portugal 2-1, but a gritty Mexican performance coupled with an Iranian goal settled the affair.

Portugal won the group with nine points and have drawn Holland in a mouth watering fixture in Nuremburg while Mexico came a relieved second on four points but now have the daunting prospect of facing Argentina.

Angolan goalkeeper Joao Ricardo cheers during the World Cup 2006 group D football match Iran vs Angola, 21 June 2006 at Leipzig stadium. Match ended 1-1. AFP PHOTO / MICHAEL URBAN

Portugal had rested five men, all on yellow cards, but midfielder Maniche put them one up after six minutes and a rout was in the air when Simao Sabrosa made in 2-0 from the spot after a Rafael Marquez hand-ball.

Jose Fonseca pulled a goal back for Mexico and Omar Bravo skied a penalty as they scrapped for a draw that never came.

Mexican forward Francisco Fonseca (L) celebrates after scoring a goal next to teammate defender Francisco Rodríguez during the World Cup 2006 group D football game Portugal vs. Mexico, 21 June 2006 at Gelsenkirchen stadium. AFP PHOTO OMAR TORRES

But with Angola and Iran drawing 1-1 Mexico qualified, despite their defeat, for their fourth straight qualification for the World Cup second round.

Another glorious day of football is set for Thursday with Italy taking on the Czech Republic and Ghana chasing qualification against the USA.

Later in the day, Australia face rivals Croatia and Brazil meet Japan although the South Americans have already qualified.