Argentina Odds Slashed After Serbia Mauling

Bookmakers have cut the odds on Argentina winning the World Cup after their 6-0 demolition of Serbia & Montenegro. Meanwhile, Holland have progresssed to the knock-out stages after overcoming an impressive Ivory Coast team.

Argentina backers were in high spirits this morning as William Hill slashed their odds for winning the World Cup to 7/2 (4.5), from pre-tournament odds of 10/1 (11.0) in places. The Argentines put on the most impressive display of the World Cup so far by knocking six past a hapless Serbia & Montenegro side.

With football legend Diego Maradona watching on, clearly elated at his old teams awesome display, Argentina took an early 7th minute lead and then notched up another two before half time. Serbia's cause was not helped mid-way into the second half as they were reduced to ten men as one of their more "creative" tackles finally resulted in a red card.

In the second game of the day, a dangerous looking Dutch team overcame Ivory Coast 2-1. Goals from Ruud van Nistlerooy and Robin van Persie guaranteed Holland's passage into the last 16. With his career at Manchester United seemingly under threat, van Nistlerooy showed his class here with a smart finish to a smooth Dutch move in the 26th minute. Ivory Coast, who have won many hearts in this competition, put up a spirited fight back and after pulling a goal back through Bakari Kone just before half time, the African team pressured Holland for the equaliser for the remainder of the game. However, Holland held on and join an exciting group of teams in the knock-out stages.

William Hill price Holland up at 12/1 (13.0) to be outright tournament winners.

Todays fixtures are:

Czech Republic v Ghana
Italy v United States
Portugal v Iran

Editors note: Bet on todays games at William Hill for a free £50 bonus when you open a new account

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