Ivory Coast in the group of death… again

By Niccolo Conte | 10th December 2009

Ivory Coast in the group of death... again | read this item

A couple of days ago the Ivory Coast seemed to be in the perfect environment to thrive. With the first World Cup in Africa, the African teams look to make a mark on the tournament, and the Ivory Coast seemed to be the perfect team to make the breakthrough. In the 2006 World Cup they were put into probably the hardest group of the tournament. Group C consisted of Argentina, Netherlands, and a tough Serbia and Montenegro side. They came third in the group with three points, only getting a win against Serbia and Montenegro. This year they are in Group G, against Brazil, Portugal, and a mysterious North Korea. If the Ivory Coast want to make an impression this World Cup, then they’ll have to work hard.

The Samba Kings

A big part of the Ivory Coast’s chances of winning depends on the opposition it will encounter and the state of mind they are in. A powerful yet technical Brazil side is probably the toughest opponent that the Ivory Coast will face. Dunga’s side is full of physical players like Lucio, Maicon, and Felipe Melo, and this allows them to wear down a team physically by outrunning and outmuscling their opponents for the full 90 minutes. They also have that bit of creativity and trickery that can destroy defenses with players like Kaka, Robinho, and Dani Alves, and with Julio Cesar in goal, not much is going to get past this Brazil side. Brazil is mentally strong as we have seen in the Confederations Cup, coming back from 2-0 to win 3-2 in the final against the USA, and if the Ivory Coast can get a draw against the Seleção, then they would just need to focus against their next two opponents.

The Confused Portuguese

Portugal has been a bit of an enigma. How can some of the best players on the planet like Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, and Simao struggle to hammer past any team in the group stages? Some say it is because ever since Pauleta left they have no real striker, no man who can just sit up top and blast any ball he receives into the net. But others say that it is because of the abundance of wingers like Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, Simao, and the small amount of quality in the other positions. But whatever anyone says, Portugal could wake up at any time; they’re a squad with enough talent that Portugal could put seven past almost any team in the world if it’s their day. The Elephants need to stay strong and put an offensive mindset against the Portuguese. All the Ivory Coast needs is a goal by Drogba, and the confused Portuguese could fold like a piece of paper.

The Mysterious Chollima

This is where Ivory Coast should really step up their game, not only to snatch the points, but to make up for any goals conceded by scoring as many as they can so that they can go through on goal difference if needed. Not much is known about the North Koreans, but what has leaked is that they are an organized side that plays compact and agressively. They played some friendlies against French club teams and many French managers said that North Korea could surprise some people, and even cause some of the big boys to stumble. If everything was perfect for the Elephants, North Korea would draw with Portugal or Brazil, and if the Ivory Coast can get some goals against the Koreans, then a second spot could be theirs.

Talking about all the opponents that the Ivory Coast needs to face, it also makes you think of what type of squad the Elephants have. They certainly have a strong spine, with Eboue and Toure sealing the defense. The other Toure brother can clog the midfield with Zokora, Romaric, and Kone. But the true jewels are in the striker department: Drogba and Kalou would be the starters, but there is talent to follow; Kone from Sevilla and Dindane from Portsmouth have top level experience that could be vital, and the emergence of the young Gervinho at Lille could be key for them. Everyone talks about an African team that should surprise everybody at the World Cup, and if the Ivory Coast get their stuff together then they could really turn some heads and hopefully make it into the knockout stages.

Niccolo Conte says:

December 10, 2009 at 11:10 pm

Thank you very much Zain, if you are interested in other things I do, check out my blog http://www.soccerwrapup.blogspot.com and my occasional articles for http://www.serieatalk.com.

Reply to this Comment
Zain Alvi says:

December 10, 2009 at 9:57 am

Excellent article! You provided a thorough analysis of different scenarios for The Ivory Coast and also reviewed the depth in their own squad. Thanks and keep it up!

Reply to this Comment

Soccer Rumors & News >

Ivory Coast in the group of death… again

Latest Headlines

NewsNow

Links