Argentina coach Jose Pekerman said that the Dutch team denied his players a victory in the final match of their World Cup Group C on Wednesday. "Argentina didn't play for a draw, Holland stopped us from winning," Pekerman told reporters after his team was held to a goalless stalemate by the Dutch. "It was a very closely-contested game against quality opponents, and we could have won because we created more clear-cut opportunities," the Argentine boss added. Both teams had secured their second round berth ahead of Wednesday's clash and despite the fact the match was not as "intense" as anticipated, Pekerman believes both sides gave a good performance. "I'm satisfied with the performance of (Argentina's) players. They kept plugging away," Pekerman said. "It's true to say that both sides had already qualified, so the level of intensity could have been higher, but then again you expect that. "In the end, both sides earned each other's respect and played it safe," the Albicelestes' coach said. Holland coach Marco Van Basten was similarly satisfied with the scoreless draw.
Van Basten The Dutch tactician praised the Argentineans and admitted to playing a careful match. "I think we can be pleased with the result," Van Basten said. "Even so we still created chances, above all in the second half, when he had more possession and upped our game." Van Basted did however admit his side did not deserve a win. The Oranjes' coach chose not to field a few high-profile players in order to ensure they would be available for the first round of 16 match. "We had to leave a few players out because they were on yellow cards. We needed to be cautious because Sunday's match is more important than today's." Argentina, who finished their Group C as winners, are set to face Mexico while Holland readies for a match against Portugal. Van Basten is fully aware of importance of the match's result. "If we lose at the weekend, that's it, we're out. We need a little luck now. There are four finals left and there's no margin for error."
