Ivory Coast (Les Éléphants) in Brazil……..
The Ivory Coast went through their World Cup qualifiers without suffering a loss. With a 4-2-0 (W-D-L) qualification record plus a 4-2 aggregate win over Senegal, they booked their place in Brazil. This is a good sign of a team that is marked with so much potential.
Since 2006, ‘Les Elephants’ have become a really dominant side in CAF (Confederation of African Football). The attacking line-up of the team is on par with any top class national side that is being represented in 2014 Fifa World Cup. On paper, they are arguably the most feared team coming from CAF.
There is a consensus that this team has been an underachiever. This generation of players look to be the peak of Ivorian futbol, but the team has not been able to win a golden medal.
Since their emergence in 2006, Ivory Coast’s best attempt at a major trophy will be the continental cup competition, African Cup of Nations. They have ended up twice as runner-up. Apart from that effort, their biggest success it successfully getting into the Fifa World Cup consecutively. They are yet to escape the preliminary round in the World Cup.
The Venom
This is where the strenght of the team is expected to be seen. The attacking line-up are familiar house-hold names across the globe. This includes the likes of Didier Drogba, who captains the team.
Drogba
Drogba has made his mark in European futbol with his equalizing goal, and final penalty kick that gave Chelsea FC their first ever Uefa Champions League trophy. Drogba is a dominant figure on the field. His athletic physique gives him a considerable advantage over defenders. He is equally good with the ball on the ground as he is in the air.
Drogba’s ex-Chelsea teammate, Salomon Kalou, is another player on the Ivorian team to pay attention to. He is fast and seems to strike when least expected.
From Italy comes Gervinho. Gervinho fits in a 4-3-3 formation, where he plays on the flanks. He is quick, and he is all about attack.
From the Premiership, there is Wilfried Bony from Cardiff City FC and Arouna Koné who jumped the boat from Wigan to Everton.
The Control and Support
One of the top midfielders in the Premier League will be on this team. Manchester City’s Yaya Touré will be creating space and chances for his team. Apart from the assistance he gives his team mates, he is also a major treat when it come to long distance shots on goal.
Yaya Toure
There is also Newcastle’s Cheick Tioté, Saint-Étienne’s Max Gradel and ex-Sevilla player, Romaric, who is currently playing for Bastia in Ligue 1.
The Bouncers
Kolo Touré will be a seasonal defender to restrict opposition attack. Along side Toure, there is Didier Zokora, who is the most experience member of the team with 129 caps. He should be extending his record as the most capped player in the 2014 World Cup.
There is also Sol Bamba, who is currently playing for the Turkish club Trabzonspor, Emmanuel Eboue for Galatasary and Siaka Tiéné for Montpellier HSC.
So what is the odds for Les Elephant? How will they fare?
They have fallen into an open group in Group C. Ivory Coast possess the strength to make it into the knock-out stage. The fact that this current team hasn’t been able to win a major trophy is a boost to their approach to this competition. There will be enough caution to protect their goals, thus allowing their scoring abilities to matter.
Like the other teams in Group C, the odds are 1/4 for them to make it out. If Ivory Coast maintain the momentum they carried through qualification, they will be able to increase their odds here.
As always, there will be some drama, suspense and surprises. And that is why we will have to be watching to see if Ivory Coast will make their advantage count.
