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Ten years ago, most international fans would have struggled to name 2 players from the Ivory Coast. Such has been the emergence of this new African power that practically every name on their team sheet today is a household name. Playing in only their second World Cup, Côte d'Ivoire will be wondering what they have done to upset the footballing Gods who have placed them once again in the World Cup's Group of Death.

Four years ago, on their World Cup debut, Côte d'Ivoire were drawn alongside Argentina and the Netherlands and failed to make it past the opening round. This edition sees their plight replicated, with Brazil and Portugal for company in Group G. (read more)

Les Éléphants were dominant in their Qualifying campaign, comfortably topping their Group with 5 wins and a draw. A 3-2 away win at the Stade du 4-Aout against Burkino Faso in June 2009 all but guaranteeing them a second crack at the World Cup Finals.

Led by Chelsea powerhouse Didier Drogba, Côte d'Ivoire have a second wildcard in their pack with the recent appointment of Sven Goran-Eriksson as their new head coach.

Côte d'Ivoire opening clash against Portugal could well decide their fate, while playing their final Group match against North Korea may prove to be crucial as well, should they need to produce a big win in order to seal entry into the Round of 16.

Key Players:

Didier Drogba: The African forward is the poster-'man' for the African continent and can easily be regarded as one of the greatest African footballers of all time. His form for both club and country are fantastic. A striker with power and grit, Drogba never loses an aerial battle and generally puts the ball in the back of the net once inside the box. He also a range from which he converts free kicks at a good ratio.

Yaya Toure: A brilliant defender and a more than decent attacker, Yaya Toure is a versatile player who can be placed on almost any part on the pitch. His term at Barcelona has been quite fruitfull and the Ivorian has helped his club side win every possible honour in his short tenure at the Nou Camp. In 2010, a lot of expectation will be on the shoulders of this midfield brute.

Kolo Toure: The centre half is rock solid and was pivotal to Manchester City's decent season in the Barclays Premier League. A product of Arsenal's fantastic youth policy, this raw gem became a diamond during his time in North London. Kolo wears his heart on his sleeve and will be keen to turn an average year into an excellent one.

Team:

Top Goal Scorers: Didier Drogba (43), Aruna Dindane(16)

Most Capped Players: Kolo Touré (76), Didier Drogba(66)

Head Coach: Sven Goran-Eriksson

Form Guide: (DLLWD)
Jan 11, Ivory Coast 0-0 Burkina Faso
Jan 15, Ivory Coast 3-1 Ghana
Jan 24, Ivory Coast 2-3 Algeria
Mar 03, Ivory Coast 0-2 South Korea
May 30, Paraguay 2-2 Ivory Coast

Fixtures:

15-Jun: Ivory Coast vs. Portugal 3:00pm (GMT) - Match Report
20-Jun: Brazil vs Ivory Coast 7:30pm (GMT) - Match Report
25-Jun: North Korea vs. Ivory Coast 3:00pm (GMT) - Match Report

Team Trivia

Ivory Coast has the unique record of being the only team that has scored in every single World Cup finals match that it has played. The Elephants scored in all three of their games in their debut World Cup in 2006 against Argentina, Netherlands and Serbia & Montenegro.

Also Read:

Group Competitior Previews: Portugal, DPR Korea, Brazil

Group Preview: Group G Preview

File Photograph Copyright: Charles Nam

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