Holland booked their place in the World Cup second round with a 2-1 defeat of Ivory Coast in the 'Group of Death' in Stuttgart.

Goals from Premiership stars Robin van Persie and Ruud van Nistelrooy gave the Dutch victory and ensured they and Argentina have reached the knockout stage with a match to spare.

After an even start to the match Arsenal striker van Persie smashed home a free-kick on 23 minutes to put Holland ahead - driving home left-footed into the top-left corner of the net.

And moments later the Dutch had doubled their advantage through a clinical van Nistelrooy finish after Arjen Robben's clever ball found him in space.

At the other end Didier Zokora saw a powerful shot cannon back off the woodwork - but the Ivory Coast did get on the scoresheet on 38 minutes.

Zokora fed Bakary Kone and he ran at the Holland rearguard before unleashing a tremendous effort from the edge of the box which gave Edwin van der Sar no chance.

The second half failed to live up to the the first half although Emmanuel Eboue appeared to be brought down in the penalty area by Giovanni van Bronckhorst with 13 minutes remaining.

Didier Drogba then went close late on but his header from a corner was chested off the line by van Persie.

The World Cup will be poorer for the Ivorians' departure as there will not be a better side who exit the tournament at the first hurdle than the Elephants from Africa

But with their obvious strength in midfield and attack, Marco van Basten's men are plausible contenders to do what the legendary Johan Cruyff could not manage and lift the biggest prize in football for the first time.