Holland beat Ivory Coast 2-1 on Friday in their World Cup match to secure their ticket to the knock-out stage alongside Argentina. Robin van Persie opened the score line in the 23rd minute before Ruud van Nistelrooy doubled the lead after just four minutes. Bakary Kone pulled one back for in the 38th minute but the African debutants failed to level the score through the remaining time. The victory sent Holland and Argentina to the next round with six points each with their clash to determine the group summit. Ivory Coast, on the other hand, were eliminated from the tournament after two successive defeats. Marco van Basten's men set the rhythm from the starting whistle and looked on their way to a comfortable victory. Van Persie capped 23 minutes of domination when he curled a powerful free-kick into the top corner of the net. In the 27th minute, Arjen Robben crossed to Van Nistelrooy who converted a first-timer home. Ivory Coast pulled one back as Kone darted through the Dutch defense before unleashing an unstoppable finish past Edwin van der Sar. The Africans improved after re-start and created several chances but the lack of experience left them helpless in front of the goal.