Argentina/Ivory Coast 
My Pick: Argentina
WELCOME TO THE GROUP OF DEATH
Probably the first game in this World Cup to be recognized as a game by pundits, whose winner cannot be accurately predicted,the Argentina vs Ivory Coast encounter promises to be an intense affair.
Argentina
Argentina will be looking to erase memories of their 1-4 loss to arch rivals Brazil in last year’s Confederations cup in Germany and would be looking to start their
campaign in the Group of death on a winning note. They were the first South American team to qualify for the World Cup and they finished second to Brazil only on
goal difference. Manager Jose Pekerman has won the World cup thrice with the youth side and many players of those very sides will play a key role today--including
gifted players like Pablo Aimar, Juan Riquelme and Carlos Tevez. Experienced pros like Juan Veron, Martin Demichelis were given the cold shoulder while Julio Ricardo
Cruz was a surprise inclusion. With their playmaking midfield and pacy threats upfront, goals shouldn't be a problem for the South Americans.
Injuries/Suspensions: No evident injury concerns for Argentina. Lionel Messi is not playing the game however. The goalkeeper’s slot is another point of contention with Atletico Madrid’s Leo Franco and Abbondanzieri fighting it out. The only worrying aspect is their defence,since Ayala does not have age on his side and Heinze has just recovered from injury.
Goalscorers: Riquelme’s spot kicks are a potent threat as always.Crespo,Tevez and Saviola will always be lurking in the box. Sorin, Mascherano and Cambiasso may be darkhorses to score crunch goals.
Ivory Coast
A home defeat to Cameroon looked to have doomed their chances of qualification. But under the spirited leadership of Didier Drogba, "The Elephants"
defied all odds and qualified for their maiden World Cup. The squad consists of players mostly plying their trade in Europe. Didier Drogba, Kolo Toure, Emannuel Oboue
and Dider Zokora form the backbone of this fighting African side.They will be looking to draw inspiration from Roger Milla and Co. who shocked Argentina in their opening game
in Italy 1990
Goalscorers: Didier Drogba scored the majority of the goals in the lead-up to the Cup and it should be no different in Germany. The onus will be on the powerful Chelsea striker to lead this young side into the latter rounds.
My verdict:
It's quality against grit. And quality should triumph . The Africans' defence hasn’t really been tested on the world stage and and a sound victory for Argentina
is on the cards.
