Argentina moved to the brink of qualifying to the World Cup's knock-out stage after humiliating Serbia and Montenegro 6-0 in Gelsenkirchen on Friday. Maximiliano Rodriguez scored twice while Hernan Crespo, Lionel Messi, Esteban Cambiasso and Carlos Tevez completed the rout. The Latin Americans are at the top of Group C with six points till Holland play Ivory Coast later on the same day. Argentina were in front after just six minutes when Javier Saviola provided a perfect pass inside the area for the rushing Rodriguez, who drilled a powerful shot into the far corner of the net. Substitute Cambiasso, who replaced injured Luis Gonzalez, extended the lead in the 31st minute after a brilliant team-work effort. Saviola raced down the left flank, exchanged the ball with Juan Riquelme before sending the ball to Cambiasso on the right.
Rodriguez Cambiasso released Crespo on the right just to return the ball with a superb back-heel to the Inter Milan midfielder who sent a powerful shot into the roof of the net. Rodriguez added the fourth five minutes before the break when he slotted home after connecting with Saviola's deflected shot from the right flank. Serbia striker Mateja Kezman was sent-off in the 64th minute after making a rough challenge on Javier Mascherano. Chelsea striker Crespo appeared on the score sheet in the 78th minute when he received Lionel Messi's neat cross with a fine touch into the empty net. Seven minutes from time, Tevez controlled Riquelme's pass before rounding two defenders and sending a low shot past the hapless keeper. Five minutes later, Messi completed the wonderful victory after he latched on to a through pass from Tevez and drove the ball straight to the near post of the net.
