Ivory Coast gave Argentina all they could handle, and were the victims of some bad luck in their exciting World Cup debut, falling 2-1.
The Elephants were much more on the attack between the two sides, firing 17 shots to Argentina's 8, with 8 on target versus 4, respectively.
They also won more corners at 6-3.
The Ivorians came out smoking from the onset, slicing through the Argentina defense seemingly at will in the first 38 minutes.
But they just could not finish their countless superb build ups.
Meanwhile, the Argentineans capitalized on their less frequent opportunities.
In the 15th minute, Roberto Ayala's header was fumbled by Ivory Coast keeper Jean-Jacques Tizie and it appeared the ball may have crossed the goal line in the air, but no goal was awarded.
Nine minutes later, an Argentina free kick failed to be cleared by the defense.
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The resulting scramble for the loose ball in the area finished with Hernan Crespo poking it into goal, followed by jubilation from spectator Diego Maradona.
Ivory Coast continued to dominate the attack, but in the 38th minute Javier Saviola doubled Argentina's score on a play that featured a nearby compatriot clearly offsides.
The goal knocked the wind out of the Elephants' sails for the next half hour, but then they roared back.
Regaining their earlier form, Ivory Coast went on relentless attack, and were finally rewarded with a Didier Drogba goal in the 80th minute.
Five minutes later, it looked like Argentina put the match away when Maxi Rodriguez found the back of the net, but an offsides call disallowed the goal.
Ivory Coast continued to doggedly push forward, but the final whistle cut short their thrilling comeback attempt.
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