The Netherlands' supporters cheer at the stand during a Group C match between Netherlands and Serbia and Montnegro of the World Cup 2006 at a stadium in Leipzig, Germany, on June 11, 2006. -Xinhua

Netherlands beat Serbia and Montenegro 1-0 to start their "Group of Death" campaign at the 2006 World Cup in Leipzig yesterday.

The young Dutch side, making a return after the 2002 absence, enjoyed a winning start in a tough group which also features Argentina and Cote d'Ivoire.

Forward Arjen Robben scored the sole goal for the Dutch in the 17th minute. He made a splendid solo run to beat Serbian defenders and goalkeeper Dragoslav Jevric after receiving Robin van Persie's pass around the middle circle.

The Chelsea winger, who frequently penetrated the Serbian defence in the left wing, became the most active player on pitch. He also unleashed a superb shot from the edge of the box in the 21st minute, which was denied by the keeper.

In the 88th minute, the 22-year-old fired another long shot which could have doubled his scoring but went wide off the post.

Although the Serbians, making their first-ever World Cup journey as a nation, also created a few opportunities, they failed to convert chances into goals.

Their best chance came in the 13th minute as Dejan Stankovic and Savo Milosevic bumped into each other within the box, both trying to reach Albert Nadj's pass.

In the 71st minute, Dutch keeper Edwin van de Sar survived a scare when Ognjen Koroman's shot slipped off his fingers. Fortunately, he responded in time and dived to grab the ball back right before Serbian substitution Nikola Zigic reached it.

Dutch coach Marco Van Basten started the game with his favorite 4-3-3 formation, led by Rudd van Nistelrooij up front.

However, the Manchester United forward, still plagued by injury, moved like a shadow of his usual and was substituted in the 69th minute by Dirk Kuyt.