Budweiser Man of the Match: Javier Saviola (ARG)

Forward Javier Saviola helped to kick-start Argentina to a fine victory in their opening match of Germany 2006. His 38th minute goal in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat of Côte d'Ivoire, also helped him to earn the Budweiser Man of the Match award.

Saviola was dangerous throughout his 75 minutes on the pitch, never more so than seven minutes before half-time. The Sevilla forward got on the receiving end of a Juan Riquelme pass and he made no mistake by slotting the ball past Ivorian goalkeeper Jean-Jacques Tizie.

"He was an influential player for the Argentina team. He did everything perfectly and moved throughout the attacking zone," said FIFA Technical Study Group member Teofilo Cubillas.

El Conejo also earned praise from Cubillas for inspiring his team-mates with his hard work. “He had a spirit that he infected his team-mates. He attacked when he had to and won balls when that’s what his team needed.”