Argentina and Dutch cancel each other out

FRANKFURT, June 21 (Reuters) Argentina and Netherlands, already qualified for the knockout stage of the World Cup, put out weakened teams and cancelled each other out in a 0-0 draw today.

The result meant both finished Group C on seven points with Argentina finishing top thanks to a superior goal difference after their 6-0 thrashing of Serbia&Montenegro.

Argentina go on to play Mexico in a second round fixture in Leipzig on Saturday. Netherlands face Portugal in Nuremberg the following day.

Argentina left out strikers Hernan Crespo and Javier Saviola who were both carrying yellow cards, and Netherlands made five changes, also protecting players from potential second bookings which would have meant suspensions for the second round.

REUTERS VJ BST0241