Argentina’s Albiceleste have beaten Ivory Coasts Elephants 2-1 in the opening Group C match in the World Cup Finals.

Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo and Sevilla striker Javier Saviola scored for Argentina in the first-half, with Crespo’s Chelsea strike-partner Didier Drogba pulling a goal back for the World Cup debutantes in the 82nd minute.

"We were nervous, we wanted to do so well," said Crespo. "This is the first step."

Ivory Coast are making their first-ever appearance in a World Cup Finals, having finally fulfilled the dream of qualifying after having shown promise for years, and were in no way overawed.

Both sides started strongly, but Argentina looked like they had taken the lead in the 14th minute when Roberto Ayala's header off Riquelme's corner kick was bobbled by Ivory Coast keeper Jean-Jacques Tizie, glanced off the post and was fumbled again by Tizie as it floated above the goal line.

Ten minutes later, there was no dispute. Juan Riquelme's free-kick wasn't cleared by the Ivorian defence, and Crepo sneaked in to tap the opening goal in the 24th minute past Ivory Coast keeper Tizie.

In the 37th minute, Saviola timed a run perfectly and gathered Riquelme's through ball for a clinical finish past Tizie to take Argentina into half-time 2-0 up.

The Ivorians came out in the second half with intent but Argentina's slowing tactics were killing off the match.

Drogba, a physical presence throughout the evening, halved the deficit with an eight-yard stab, but it was too late for them to get athe draw.

“They scored when they had to score," Drogba said. "We had our chances, but couldn't finish them. That part of it is disappointing, but we know we have two games left to get the results.”

“We will learn from this game,” Ivory Coast head coach Henri Michel said. “It was our first time.”

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