Elephants knocked out

Yaya Toure, Romaric and Salomon Kalou were on target as Ivory Coast's World Cup campaign ended with a hollow 3-0 victory over North Korea.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's side struck twice inside 20 minutes through Yaya Toure and Romaric as they tore into their limited opponents from the outset, but only frustration followed in their final Group G game.

But North Korea, fearing more humiliation after their 7-0 hammering by Portugal, closed ranks after the break and only substitute Salomon Kalou could break through.

Ivory Coast arrived at the Mbombela Stadium knowing they needed to win, hoping Brazil could beat Portugal and see a nine-goal swing in the process.


The threatened goal duly arrived after 13 minutes as Yaya Toure took a neat touch from an Arthur Boka cross and coolly placed a shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards.

Romaric then clipped the post from distance before a fierce Didier Drogba shot rattled the underside of the bar and bounced off the line to allow Romaric to head in the second.

Ivory Coast ended the first half with another chance as Emmanuel Eboue shot over. They began the second period in similar fashion as Eboue forced North Korea to clear off the line but the Asian side at last managed to find some fortitude.

Deploying five in defence in a damage-limitation exercise, they quashed the threat of the Elephants for a period and even enjoyed some possession.

Yet Ivory Coast still seemed the side most likely to create chances and Drogba headed wide before Gervinho failed to turn in a Kader Keita cross on the hour.

Kalou entered the action but spurned a good chance when he scooped over at the end of a neat move. He made up for that when he volleyed in a Boka cross nine minutes from time but by then the players were going through the motions.


(source: mirror.co.uk)

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North Korea 0:3 Ivory Coast: match report

Ivory Coast convincingly beat North Korea 3-0 on Friday, but the comprehensive win was not enough to prevent the Africans from going out of the World Cup.

Needing a glut of goals to stand any chance of advancing from Group G, Ivory Coast left Salomon Kalou on the bench and opted for a three-pronged attack of Didier Drogba, Gervais Kouassi and Abdelkader Keita.

North Korea coach Kim Jong-hun kept faith with the same starting 11 that were ruthlessly dismantled 7-0 by Portugal in their previous World Cup game.

Goals from Yaya Toure and Ndri Romaric gave the Ivorians a 2-0 half-time lead, but it could have been five or six as North Korea struggled to cope with the one-way traffic heading towards their net.

Ri Myong-guk was forced into action right from the kick-off, making a smart save from Keita, but there would be no respite for the North Korean goalkeeper as Ivory Coast flooded forwarded at every opportunity.

Drogba looked in the mood from the outset and had the ball in the net in the 11th minute but his header was disallowed for offside.


The Ivorians would not have long to wait though and in the 14th minute Toure took a pass on the edge of the area before opening up his body and curling the ball into the far corner of the net.

Romaric struck the outside of the post four minutes later but was on hand to nod the ball home after Drogba crashed a vicious shot off the underside of the crossbar in the 20th minute.

North Korea's first and only chance of the first half came in the 25th minute when captain Hong Yong-jo stroked a freekick just wide of Boubacar Barry's goal.

The west Africans picked up where the left off after the break, Drogba sending a diving header wide and Kouassi failed to connect with Keita's dangerous delivery, but North Korea looked far more organised in defence than they had previously.

Jong Tae-se almost pulled one back for North Korea in the 81st minute but he could not force the ball over the line.

Instead, Ivory Coast notched up a third when Kalou, on as a substitute, side-footed home from close range in the 82nd minute after a great cross from Arthur Boka.

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North Korea v Ivory Coast: match preview

Group G
North Korea v Ivory Coast
Mbombela Stadium, Durban
Kick-off: Fri June 25, 3pm BST
Not quite a dead-rubber, but not far off. Ivory Coast can still overhaul Portugal to claim a place in the last 16, but Sven-Goran Eriksson’s players must hope for a Portugal defeat against Brazil, plus a nine-goal swing in their favour.
The manner of North Korea’s second-half collapse in their 7-0 defeat against Portugal suggests that Ivory Coast can retain a glimmer of hope, but it is likely to be false hope.

Touchline duel
Sven-Goran Eriksson v Kim Jong-Hun: Kim may have some explaining to do when he meets the Dear Leader, Kim Jong-Il, after the humiliation of conceding seven goals against Portugal. Eriksson might be able to lend him the benefit of his experience, however, having returned from two World Cups with England after failing to live up to the hopes of a nation.
Talking tactics
The North Koreans are athletic, neat passers of the ball and, Jong Tae-Se, possess a striker of some merit.
Their key weakness is their lack of height, though, and with the Ivory Coast physically intimidating and commandingly tall throughout, they can expect to profit at set-pieces and from crosses into the penalty area.
Key clash
Kolo Toure v Jong Tae-Se: Tae-Se, who plays his club football in Japan, has done enough in South Africa to suggest he could carve out a career in Europe and become the first North Korean to do so.
Facing Toure will be a good test of his talents. Tae-Se has a neat touch and is more physically developed than his team-mates, but Toure’s experience should see him edge this particular battle.
What they say
Souleymane Bamba: "We can still make the last 16. After all, I didn't think England were going to draw their first two matches, so anything is possible.”
Kim Jong-Hun: "Ivory Coast are a bigger side than us and they are probably going to be physical but we will resist strongly.
"It's a chance for us to avenge ourselves and restore our honour."
Probable teams
North Korea: Myong-Guk; Jong-Hyok, Chol-Jin, Jun-Il, Kwang-Chon, Yun-Nam; In-Guk, Young-Hak, Nam-Chol; Yong-Jo; Tae-Se
Ivory Coast: Barry; Demel, Toure, Zokora, Tiene; Y Toure, Eboue, Tiote; Gervinho, Drogba, Kalou
Referee: TBC.
Previous meetings
None
Fact:
Prediction: With Didier Drogba back, a win for the Africans.

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Ivory Coast need miracle!

The West Africans are hoping they can defy the odds to get out of a tough group after Portugal whipped the Asian team 7-0, notching up an almost insurmountable goal difference.
Ivory Coast must beat North Korea by a huge score and hope Brazil overcome Portugal in the other game in the group.If we remain in, it will be a great miracle,” said defender Arthur Boka. “Only God knows (if we can do it).”
The clash will pit the tournament’s fairest team against one of the most physical. North Korea committed only three fouls in the heavy defeat by Portugal, while Ivory Coast were penalised for 23 fouls in their fiercely contested match with Brazil.

“If Portugal can beat them 7-0 why can’t we do the same?” said Boka, although neither he nor midfielder Gervinho - who said he held his head in despair watching the whitewash - looked very convinced.
“For us what is more important is to exit this tournament with our heads held high,” he repeated at least three times at a news conference in which both players seemed somewhat dejected.
North Korea’s place at the finals has propelled the reclusive nation into the international spotlight and they started well with a brave 2-1 loss to Brazil.
Suitably encouraged, their match against Portugal was broadcast live but it was a move the government probably regretted after the barrage of goals conceded.
Portugal lauded the fair play of the Asian side, who have committed only 13 fouls and picked up just two yellow cards.
Coach Kim Jong-hun has said he will adopt different tactics - probably strengthening his defence - for the game against African Footballer of the Year Didier Drogba’s team.
Already eliminated, North Korea are under no competitive pressure to win but, with their rivals South Korea reaching the second round, they will be keen to at least earn a point and salvage some pride after the tournament’s worst defeat.
“The only problem with the (North Korea) team is they have difficulty finishing,” said Ivory Coast’s Boka, a problem he hopes will continue in Nelspruit on Friday.

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Photos: Thirty one Miss World 2010 beauty queens attend Brazil vs Côte d’Ivoire match

Thirty one Miss World 2010 beauty queens from the countries participating in the 2010 World Cup pose together in Johannesburg, June 20, 2010.

They attended Brazil vs Côte d’Ivoire match. Here are the photos, enjoy!!


(more photos after "Read More Here!")

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Brazil 3:1 Ivory Coast: match report

Boring, boring Brazil. Fabiano consigned that impression to the World Cup dustbin with two goals out of the jogo bonito handbook. A late red card for Kaka following a shameful dive by substitute Kader Keita, surely to be appealed, was a blot but not one that will prove too costly for this team.

There might have been a hint of the basketballer about the second goal, but heh, anybody who can so much as think to do what he did deserves all that comes his way.

The referee appeared to ask for clarification form Fabiano after he juggled and danced his way past two defenders with perhaps a little help from his upper arm. With the answer coming back in the negative, Stephane Lannoy, at least one Frenchman happy in his work, gave Fabiano the benefit of the bicep and the World Cup a familiar yellow flourish.


It says much about the sumptuous past of Brazil that the Dunga variety takes such a beating on the Copacabana waterfront. If only Fabio Capello’s England were as stiff and flat-footed as this. Dunga’s preference for function over style is not as pleasing on the eye as past Brazilian art collections. He does not have a Gerson or a Tostao, a Socrates or Falcao colouring the Brazilian palate. Nevertheless the ball goes forward at a lick that England can only dream of and yellow shirts storm the box like locusts.

And who would not want Fabiano in their side? His first was tasty enough. The potency of Brazil, whatever the critics say of the Dunga model, is contained in the quick release of the strikers and the certainty of the finish. Kaka’s tapped pass on the edge of the box was pounced on by Fabiano and blasted home before Barry had a chance to react.

This was a big night for Ivory Coast and for Africa. In the context of the group a draw was the goal. In the context of the global audience, the African people were hoping for something more. Ivory Coast skipper Didier Drogba bent to touch the ground and make the sign of the cross as he walked from the tunnel. The default football ritual acquired greater significance in this setting, Drogba leading out his team in a World Cup encounter against Brazil on African soil.

The game detonated from the off with Kaka breaking forward in the opening seconds and feeding the ball to Robinho. The Manchester City striker eyes widened at the sight of goal. He should have fed Fabiano. He went instead for the ego shot and ballooned the chance over the bar. The groans echoed all the way to Eastlands.

The athleticism and strength of Ivory Coast lends itself to the football equivalent of guerrilla warfare, raiding at pace and jumping all over the opposition as soon as they cross the half way line. They might have surprised themselves with their response to Brazil’s early flourish, finding plenty of room in the yellow half.

The jousting lasted all of 25 minutes. Fabiano’s goal triggered a sustained period of Brazilian possession. Ivory Coast had done little wrong and the shock of conceding set them temporarily on their heels. It took a full ten minutes to fashion a response in the shape of a charged down shot from Aruna Dindane.

Sven Goran-Eriksson’s safety first policy was undone by Fabiano’s early rocket. He needed to bring Drogba into the game, if for no other reason than to halt the rapier breaks of the remarkable Lucio, rather under occupied with defensive matters in the first half.

Five minutes in to the second half the match was over, Fabiano working his miracle down the right channel, lobbing successive defenders before smashing the ball past Barry. Brazil’s third was not so shabby either. Kaka, looking more like the player that persuaded Real Madrid to part with £57 million, waltzed down the left to set-up the advancing Elano for a simple finish at the far post.

Dunga will enjoy reading the bulletins from Brazil after this. Drogba headed goal from Yaya Toure’s cross ten minutes from the end, which gave the vuvzela’s fresh impetus, could not detract from a performance that was at times spellbinding.

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Brazil v Ivory Coast: match preview

Group G
Brazil v Ivory Coast
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
Kick-off: Sun June 20, 7.30pm BST

Just 15 days after undergoing surgery on a broken arm, Didier Drogba is set to start for the Ivory Coast and that would be a huge boost for a side that has already taken a point off Portugal.
The Chelsea striker made a difference when he came on late in the 0-0 draw and Brazil, having been stretched by North Korea, will be aware of his threat in this most unpredictable of World Cups.
Brazil could keep faith with the side that won 2-1 against North Korea ahead of the final game, against Portugal


Touchline duel
Dunga v Sven Goran Eriksson: A clash of styles, both in tactics and dress sense.
Let us hope the Brazilian leaves behind his fisherman’s jumper and black overcoat, because Eriksson just looks stylish, whoever he coaches.
Erikson reached the quarter-finals with England; this time his task is greater but he will have the confidence to out-think Dunga.
Talking tactics
Brazil have scored in 23 consecutive group matches at the World Cup and will want to maintain that record.
The Ivory Coast improved considerably when Didier Drogba came on against Portugal but, at the other end, Boubacar Barry, Ivory Coast’s agile goalkeeper, can expect a busy 90 minutes.
Key clash
Julio Cesar v Didier Drogba: In Julio Cesar, Brazil boast the best goalkeeper at the finals, though North Korea proved he is not unbeatable.
Drogba was on firer for Chelsea and his country before breaking his arm in a friendly.
But he proved he has recovered with a late cameo role against Portugal and, on his side, he can score against any goalkeeper in the world.
What they say
Dunga: "I believe the first match is always trying, there was a lot of nervousness and anxiety out there. We all want to score and not concede any goals. I am not entirely happy with the result, we weren't passing as quickly as I would have liked. But the spirit of these players is strong and they are willing to learn."
Sven-Goran Eriksson: "It is going to be a difficult game, but looking at what we did against Portugal, we are capable of creating a surprise against Brazil."
Probable teams
Brazil (4-2-3-1): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Michel Bastos; Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo; Elano, Kaka, Robinho; Luis Fabiano.
Ivory Coast (4-1-2-3): Barry; Demel, K Toure, Zokora, Tiene; Y Toure; Eboue, Tiote; Kalou, Drogba, Gervinho.
Referee: Stephane Lannoy (France).
Previous meetings
None
Fact: Brazil have faced African opposition on five previous occasions in the finals, winning every one and scoring 13 goals without reply.
Prediction: Even with Didier Drogba, Brazil will be too strong for the Ivory Coast. Straight win for the five-time champions.

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Watch Brazil v Ivory Coast Live Streaming Online for Free

Watch Brazil v Ivory Coast Live Streaming Online for Free


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Sven Goran Eriksson Ready To 'Unleash' Didier Drogba On Brazil

Ivory Coast manager Sven Goran Eriksson is positive that his star player Didier Drogba can play against Brazil in their World Cup Group G clash on Sunday and has stated that he does not anticipate the protective cast will not cause any problems for the striker.

Chelsea player Drogba came on as a substitute in their goalless draw with Portugal after FIFA allowed the cast to be worn to protect the broken elbow he suffered in the build up to the finals.

Eriksson declined to say whether Drogba would start but said he was optimistic that there will be no further problems.

The Swede said, "We are not sure yet but we will speak to him on Sunday. He might be ready.

"[The cast] was an issue after the game which I did not understand. FIFA have looked at it, the referee looked at it and decided it's not a problem.

"It's not dangerous so I expect the same thing will be done. I am very confident that will not be a problem."

Speaking in a press conference, Erikksson was also asked the question of how important Drogba was for the Ivorians.

"Drogba is a world-famous player, he has scored 30 goals already this season and obviously everybody has respect for him. However, we did play well without him for an hour [against Portugal]."

Eriksson also praised Brazil manager Dunga ahead of their game in Johannesburg, a player he managed while in charge of Fiorentina in Italy.

"When Dunga was one of my players he already knew everything there is to know, he was a very intelligent player and he has done excellent work as coach of Brazil," he said.

"They are a classy team, a technically able team and also a team that can bite when it has to bite, It's the modern style of football.

"Whenever Brazil play they are always the favorite right from onset, That is the reality, it will always be like this."

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Sven-Goran Eriksson wants Fifa talks over Jabulani ball

The Adidas Jabulani has come in for criticism from players and goalkeepers alike after a number of high-profile errors in the early stages of the World Cup.
Eriksson, whose team held Portugal to a goalless draw in their Group G opener last night, insists something must be done but admits it is too late for the current tournament

''I can understand the goalkeepers are not happy with it at all, but it's too late to do something about that in this World Cup,'' said the former England manager.
''It's a decision for the authorities for the next big tournament, whether it's in Africa or Europe or wherever it is.
''I think it should be discussed and everyone should listen to the top goalkeepers in the world because I am sure this doesn't do them any favours at all.
''Maybe we will see some goals, but discussion between managers, the company who produce the football and the football players, that would be good.''

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Ivory Coast 0-0 Portugal

Didier Drogba's rapid return from a broken arm failed to inspire Ivory Coast to victory against Portugal as the Group G rivals played out a 0-0 draw that leaves one likely to face early elimination.

In a keenly-fought contest in Port Elizabeth, the fear of losing appeared to weigh heavily on the two highly-rated teams. But Drogba’s second-half appearance was not enough to nudge Ivory Coast to a victory they would have deserved against Carlos Queiroz’s team.


Although Fifa had cleared Drogba to play with a lightweight cast to protect his broken right arm, Ivory Coast coach Sven-Goran Eriksson opted to start with the Chelsea forward on the bench against the Portuguese.

Drogba’s absence was a blow for the west Africans, who went into this game knowing that a defeat would as good as end their hopes of reaching the knock-out stage with World Cup favourites Brazil next up.



Portugal carried similar fears of defeat, however, and the importance of this fixture to both sides was evident in a spiky start to the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo proved to be at the heart of the major flashpoints in the early stages. The former Manchester United forward earned a booking for Didier Zokora on seven minutes by tumbling to the ground a touch too easily, but Ronaldo then showed his other side moments later when he hit the post with a searing 35-yard strike.

Ronaldo was subjected to some heavy challenges from his heavy-handed opponents, but Portugal were not shy of getting involved in the physicalities and Ricardo Carvalho certainly made his presence felt in a touchline tangle with Gervinho.

Ronaldo was then booked for confronting Guy Demel after the full-back’s late tackle upended the Real Madrid forward 25 yards from goal. It was a clear foul, but referee Jorge Larrionda failed to spot the incident and he went on to book both players for squaring up following the foul.

The bright start quickly melted away, however, and the two teams began to suggest they were more afraid of losing than they were keen to win.

Chances dried up and neither goalkeeper had a shot to save until Eduardo kept out Salomon Kalou’s tame 20-yard effort on 54 minutes.

The game needed an injection of something and the atmosphere lifted noticeably when Drogba replaced Kalou 12 minutes later.

But the game continued to be played in the middle third until Ronaldo had a header disallowed on 72 minutes following a shove by Bruno Alves on Demel.

That was as near as either team came to winning it in the closing stages, but with Brazil still to come for both, they will have to raise their game against the tournament favourites if they are to progress.

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Group G Betting Preview

Group G Outright Odds
Brazil - 5.50
North Korea - 1001.0
Cote d'Ivoire - 34.0
Portugal - 26.0

Aah, the so called group of death - and no, we're not referring to North Korea's human rights record. Pundits have been licking their lips at the prospect of this quartet, which pits together the World Cup specialists, a talented if slightly flawed European outfit, a powerful African nation and an unknown quantity from Asia.

Brazil are clearly the favourites to win the group and you'll find some value in them at 1.50 to finish first in Group G. Dunga has moulded a strong team, who may not be as pretty on the eye as previous Selecao teams, but are very effective and boast an excellent defence. A win in their first game over North Korea should set them up nicely to progress here.

Portugal are only two places (3rd) behind Brazil (1st) in the FIFA rankings. With an abundance of attacking talent they could quite conceivably go all the way. However, they are a frustrating team with their players seemingly unable to find their best form at international level. Cristiano Ronaldo failed to find the net in qualification and there are question-marks over coach Carlos Queiroz. This is his opportunity to prove he shouldn't have remained as Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United.


Ivory Coast, or Cote d'Ivoire if you'll pardon my French, were tipped by some to go all the way in the World Cup. We heard the same thing about les Elephants in the African Cup of Nations and they didn't pull up any trees there. New coach Sven-Goran Eriksson isn't known for his motivational qualities and is more than capable of leading them to a first round exit. Didier Drogba breaking his arm didn't do the Swede any favours either. They have the talent but do the Africans have the mentality? Hmmm.

North Korea looked defensively strong in qualifying as they conceded just five goals in 14 games. Keeping Kaka, Ronaldo and Drogba out will be an altogether different task from bolting the door against Saudi Arabia, for instance. As has been well documented, the North Koreans have been training in a public gym in Johannesburg which can't be ideal. In Jong Tae-Se they have a potential global superstar and it would be foolish to suggest they are in South Africa just to make up the numbers. Korea DPR will compete hard but are likely to be found wanting on talent.

Betting Potential
There is value to be found on the dual forecast as we all expect Brazil to progress. Dunga's side are 2.80 to go through with Portugal and 3.25 with the Ivory Coast with the Selecao topping the group. If you have little faith in North Korea consider the handicap market where you will get some good odds like Brazil at -2.5 at 2.21.

To Qualify
Brazil 1.11
Portugal 1.63
Ivory Coast 1.83
North Korea 11.0

Not to qualify
North Korea 1.05
Ivory Coast 1.82
Portugal 2.14
Brazil 6.50

Best Bet
The safe bet is Brazil to qualify at 1.11 but that's unlikely to land you any great fortunes. Brazil to go the whole way is much better at 5.50 and having won the World Cup on every continent they've played in they are more than capable of adding Africa to the mix.

Outside Bet
Ivory Coast to beat Portugal at 3.55. A few weeks back we flagged this up as a potential shock and the odds have since stretched out from 3.13. Didier Drogba's injury has affected the value in the eyes of bookmakers but given Sven's record against Portugal he is surely due a change in fortune. The Ivory Coast have the physical game to knock Portugal off their stride and as we've seen with African teams so far they are very unpredictable. A small stake if you fancy it.

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Didier Drogba cleared to play match with cast on broken arm ‎

Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba has been given permission to play with a protective cast on his arm for the World Cup Group G match against Portugal today.

The Chelsea striker's participation had been in serious doubt after he suffered a fractured arm in a challenge during a friendly against Japan in the build-up to the tournament.

Fifa's head of media Nicolas Maingot said today: "Regarding Didier Drogba, the referee of the match Jorge Larrionda has okayed the cast which Didier Drogba will use to play.

"The cast has been seen by the Portuguese delegation at yesterday's match co-ordination meeting."

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Watch Ivory Coast v Portugal Live Streaming Online for Free

Watch Ivory Coast v Portugal Live Streaming Online for Free


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Ivory Coast v Portugal: match preview

Group G
Ivory Coast v Portugal
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Kick-off: Tuesday June 15, 3pm BST

Arguably the game of the group stages, with the two teams seemingly vying for second spot behind Brazil clashing head-on. Both have the ability to progress, yet one is likely to be eliminated.

Will it be revenge for Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Ivory Coast coach, whose hopes with England at Germany 2006 and Euro 2004 were extinguished by the Portuguese? Much rests on Didier Drogba’s fitness.


Touchline duel

Sven-Goran Eriksson v Carlos Queiroz: Two hugely familiar faces to English observers, but both coaches have built their reputations as cautious tacticians.

Eriksson, the former England and Manchester City manager, replaced Valid Halihodzic in March, inheriting one of the most respected teams in Africa, yet having failed to deliver with England’s ‘golden generation’ can he now achieve the feat with Ivory Coast’s star-studded squad?

Queiroz, the former Manchester United assistant manager, has been heavily criticised in the Portuguese media following the country’s unconvincing qualifying campaign.

Talking tactics

Will Eriksson be able to impose his safety-first tactics on Ivory Coast or will he simply allow his players to stick with their natural attacking style?

Having been in charge for just three months, it is impossible to gauge Eriksson’s approach, but Queiroz will expect the Swede to revert to type.

Portugal, strong defensively, have an obvious ace card in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo, but can the Real Madrid forward carry a team that most neutrals suspect peaked in Germany four years ago?

Key clash

Emmanuel Eboue v Cristiano Ronaldo: Ronaldo could play anywhere across the front three for Portugal, but he could be most lethal when he tears down the left flank before cutting in to shoot at goal.

Eboue, whose rash defending at Arsenal has often led to problems, will face a tough task shackling the former Manchester United forward. And his inclination to concede fouls could be extremely costly if Ronaldo discovers a way of mastering the flight of the controversial Jabulani ball at set-pieces.

What they say

Kolo Toure: "The Ivorian squad is made up of some world class players but football remains a team game

"And since Sven-Goran Eriksson took over the squad, he has been trying to build a proper team and we are on track."

Ronaldo: "Goals are like ketchup. When it comes out (of the bottle) it all comes out at once.

"But I am not worried about not scoring in the qualifiers. I am just plugging away as usual. I want to turn in a great tournament and be the best. I will strive for that. My ambition has always been to be the best."

Previous meetings: None

Fact: Portugal are not scoring freely; in the qualifiers only Simao (4) and Nani (3) scored more than twice – and the latter is out.
Prediction: With Didier Drogba the Ivorians would be a threat; without him this could be an easy win for the Portuguese

Team details (probable)

Ivory Coast (4-4-2): Barry; Eboue, K Toure, Bamba, Tiene; Romaric, Zokora, Y Toure, Tiote; Kalou, Doumbia.
Portugal (4-3-3): Eduardo; Ferreira, Alves, Carvalho, Coentrao; Mendes, Meireles, Deco; Ronaldo, Simao, Liedson.
Referee: Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay).

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Didier Drogba doubtful for World Cup clash

The biggest question ahead of the Ivory Coast's opening World Cup match against Portugal revolves around the fitness of injured striker Didier Drogba.








Drogba remains a doubtful starter after breaking his right arm in a friendly against Japan on June 4, and the Ivory Coast coach Sven-Goran Eriksson cannot afford any risks against a powerful Portugal squad led by Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo.
The teams arrive in Port Elizabeth on Monday for their only training session at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Drogba did not train in the team's Sharpeville base on Saturday, instead receiving treatment.Midfielder Didier Zokora said Drogba, who trained with the team for two days late last week but wore a protective cast as he worked on his ball skills and fitness, remained in good spirits.
"Even if he's not playing with us every time, he's the captain and he leads the team very, very well," Zokora said.

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Team Profile Côte d'Ivoire

Confederation: CAF

Star Players: Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure

Best World Cup Finish: First Round (2006)

Current FIFA Ranking: 27

Strengths: Star-studded attack

Weaknesses: Lack of defensive depth

Fans: Still growing



Coach: Sven Goran Eriksson
Confederation: CAF
FIFA Ranking (Apr 10): 27
Previous Appearances: 1 (2006)

Background

With only one participation at the 2006 World Cup - in the "Group of Death" with Argentina and the Netherlands - the Ivorians showed what they were capable of in Germany, but their lack of experience at that level didn't allow them to fully explore their potential.

But four years later, with some of the best players on the planet now blossoming on their team, everyone is expecting them to do better, and they will undoubtedly have to live up to those high expectations. Along with Ghana, the Elephants are the African continent's great hopes for the next World Cup.
How They Qualified

In a group composed of Guinea, Burkina-Faso and Malawi, it was fairly foreseeable that the Elephants would be the team going through to the World Cup, even though Burkina and Guinea were seen as the "Young Guns" of African football before the campaign.

Starting by humiliating Malawi 5-0 in what will be remembered for the Houphouet Boigny Stadium catastrophe, they went on to beat Burkina-Faso and Guinea in away games. In the return phase they gave Burkina another 5-0 thrashing before finishing the campaign off by drawing to Malawi and letting their B-team oust Guinea.

Strengths

With Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Gervinho, Aruna Dindane, Amara Diane, Bakari Kone, and many more, Cote d'Ivoire's firepower seems endless. With strikers starting in some of the most successful European clubs, the Ivorians seem to have one of the most impressive attacking lineups in the tournament.

Weaknesses

The main weakness of the team will be the tremendous egos that are in it. Despite an overall great ambiance, the competitive aspect of things has proven to be a negative catalyst over the last year, as several fights have erupted during their qualifying campaign.
The Coach

Sven Goran Eriksson needs no introduction. Already a veteran of two World Cups when he led England to the quarter-finals, the sophisticated Swede has coached in his homeland, Italy, Portugal, England and was recently in charge of Mexico. His African adventure is a first and it remains to be seen if he is the right man to bring a talented group of players together. Still, Eriksson is as experienced and unflappable as they come...
Star Men
Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

With one of the biggest names in football today and being one of the most popular players in Africa, Dider Drogba is a symbol, a role-model and a peace officer, being instrumental in ending the brooding civil war that was threatening his country in 2004. His finishing and powerful play set him apart from other strikers.

Kolo Toure (Manchester City)


The leader on the pitch. He's the one everyone turns to for guidance, as they have always done since his days at the Academie des Mimosas of ASEC Abidjan. With his younger brother being a star, and most of his teammates growing up under his tutelage, he is considered the godfather of the team and his performances set the tone when it comes to the bigger rendezvous.

Gervinho (Lille)


The youngster of the squad. With a style so flamboyant they gave him a Brazilian nickname, the newly-signed Lille player is exciting to watch. His little frame and centre of gravity allow him to change direction instantly, and Gervinho has been called the African Messi.

Best Footballing Moment

Their best moment of international football was during the 1992 African Cup of Nations in Senegal, where they won the trophy on penalties against an Abedi Pele-less Ghanaian side and an amazing Alain Gouamene. They have not managed to find the tournament-winning alchemy since then, though, and the clock seems to be running out for this generation.

Off The Pitch
Famous for: Their local gastronomy: Atieke and Aloko bananas, a vast amount of coffee, delicious fruits, and also cacao. Abidjan is the biggest port in West Africa, and much of the world's best produce leaves its shores.

Most likely to: Have all their fans mixed up with Netherlands fans as they also move dipped in orange from head-to-toe.

World Cup Objective
Getting out of the group stages is expected from them, and making it to the quarter-finals will definitely be an objective for the Elephants as well. With this much quality on paper they should at least go further than they did in Germany, but finding themselves in the group of death alongside Brazil and Portugal will present a difficult task indeed.

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