Outright Odds: eighty/1
Group C Winners: 9/1
The Ivory Coastline topped their qualifying group nevertheless the margins involving good results and failure had been so rigorous it came down to one penalty kick with just new88 four minutes of qualification remaining.
Within the penultimate qualifying match, the Ivorians essential a victory in opposition to Cameroon to be certain qualification, Nonetheless they dropped 3-2 in Abidjan. Their subsequent three-1 away win at Sudan can be meaningless if Earth Cup mainstays Cameroon beat Egypt. The match was all square at 1-one right up until Cameroon were being awarded a penalty four minutes into injury time. A prosperous location kick would mail them by but Pierre Wome strike the skin of the post as well as the Ivory Coastline ended up heading to Germany.
The Ivory Coastline are arguably the strongest African side taking part in the finals, with Cameroon, Nigeria, Morocco and Senegal all failing to qualify. Having said that, Also they are pitted within the toughest group and may need to be at their very best in opposition to conventional favourites for instance Argentina and Holland.
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba potential customers the front line and contributed 9 targets as his region experienced for The 1st time in 8 attempts. Arsenal defender Kolo Toure is considered the most recognisable defender even so the team oozes quality from gamers largely plying their trade in France.
Partnering Drogba in attack is Lens ahead Aruna Dindane when playmaker Bonaventure Kalou, from Paris St Germain and St. Ettienes Didier Zakora are all able to producing an impression. In defence Toure is joined by Abdoulaye Meite from Marseille, Strasbourgs Etienne Boka and veteran Cyrille Domoraud, now enjoying for Creteil.
Becoming positioned in these kinds of a troublesome qualifying team, the Ivorians will profit drastically from aquiring a mentor of Henri Michels stature. The vastly knowledgeable mentor is in charge of his sixth nationwide group following stints at France, Cameroon, Morocco, Tunisia plus the United Arab Emirates. With 20 many years experience to connect with upon, he will make sure Drogba and co. are thoroughly prepared for the activity forward.
Whilst the crew are potent for most spots, They're also probe to a lack of concentration. This was highlighted of their qualifier versus Cameroon which could have viewed them miss out on a spot during the finals. Additionally, there are doubts raised on their capability to Perform away from your home right after qualifying defeats to Egypt and Cameroon along with a goalless attract with Libya.
Advised Guess:
Senegal burst onto the Intercontinental scene four a long time in the past once they defeat an under-par France one-0 during the opening game so the Ivory Coast could potentially do a similar. If they may do the unthinkable and beat either Argentina or Holland, a degree of their ultimate match against Serbia & Montenegro could see them by means of to the last sixteen.
Ivory Coast vs Serbia & Montenegro draw @ 5/two