Argentina survive late scare

Argentina 2 Ivory Coast 1

Argentina clung on desperately to claim victory in a pulsating Group C opener against the Ivory Coast in Hamburg.

When Hernan Crespo and Javier Saviola struck before the break, the third-favourites seemed to be heading for a comfortable victory.

However, on their World Cup debut, the Ivory Coast had other ideas. Unlucky to be behind on balance of play, they continued to press to the end but were unable to snatch a leveller once Didier Drogba had pounced eight minutes from time.