Team Preview – Cote d’Ivoire
Blessed with an abundance of natural talent Brazil presents the best chance for Cote d’Ivore to progress pass the group stage for the first time.
Manager: Sabri Lamouchi (Former French international, managing the Elephants from 2012 – present).
Star Player: Yaya Toure has had a cracking season at Manchester City in the midfield, scoring 20 goals and 9 assists. His scintillating form and winning momentum could prove to be unstoppable.
Who to look out for:
Top goal scorer and captain of the Elephants, Diede Drogba is sure to bring something outstanding to the Group stage. His physicality, experience and skill will certainly keep our eyes glued to the TV set. This will be his final hurrah and we can expect he will leave nothing in the tank in the quest to hoist the World Cup.
The young 21 year old, Serge Aurier has proved to be pocket rocket of versatility for local club, Toulouse. If he can bring it to the pitch during the World Cup, he will certainly create havoc and instil a strong sense of frustration in his opponents.
The draw: An evenly matched draw in Group C sees the Elephants come up against Japan (ranked 46), Greece (12) and Colombia (8).
Prediction: Currently ranked 23rd in the FIFA rankings, the Elephants should be able to progress to the Round of 16 for their first time in 2014. A great performance may see them make the Quarter Finals.
FTSAUS Fact: The Elephants have twice been involved and won, 24 shot penalty shoot outs. First, 1992 African Cup of Nations V Ghana – 11-10 & again in the 2006 African Cup of Nations V Cameroon – 12 -11.
Previous World Cup best appearance: Côte d’Ivoire has played in the last two cups (2006 and 2010) but never made it past the group stages.
Extra Time:
It’s better late than never and the Elephants should definitely make sure Yaya Toure knows they care. A cake and some sort of celebration for a belated birthday likely to be crucial to ensuring Toure’s commitment to the team throughout the tournament.
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