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UNBEATEN during qualification, and having lost just three matches (two of which were friendlies) out of 41 since the last World Cup, Cote d’Ivoire head to Brazil in confident mood.
Buoyed by finally sidestepping the dreaded groups of death they encountered in 2006 and 2010, there is a one-last-push, kindred sense of mission, as this tournament signals the beginning of the end for many members of the Elephants’ “golden generation,” most notably captain colossal, striker Didier Drogba.
A commendable 2-2 draw away to Belgium in their latest friendly, wherein they came back from two goals down, has given the side further belief that they will finally be able to stamp their authority on the world stage.
The Perception
Ageing Ivorian greats who will have to turbo-charge their Zimmer frames if they’re to get past the group stage. Do they have the energy and hunger to cope with high-intensity international tournament football?
The reality
A decent blend of vitality and experience. Serge Aurier, the precocious Toulouse right back, is a flagbearer of the youthfulness. Of the old guard, only Kolo Toure looks a little past it, and he is no longer a likely starter.
The Master Plan
Physically impressive and technically capable, Cote d’Ivoire are combative in midfield and cultured in the attacking areas of their 4-3-3. Endowed with a revitalized Gervinho’s trickery and energetic fullbacks, their attacks feature intricate wing play followed by cut backs into the box for the runs of Yaya Toure or high crosses for the aerial prowess of Drogba.
Strengths
Team chemistry.
The core of the squad has played together for 20 years, back to the fabled academy of giants Asec Mimosas. Not only is there togetherness, but the football can be very cohesive.
Weaknesses
A leaky defence. Tupac doppelganger Boubacar Barry has rarely been an assuring presence between the sticks, despite his vast experience. Former midfielder Didier Zokora is capable at centreback but might struggle against top quality strikers. His partner Sol Bamba is error-prone, too, and the options at leftback are all too attack-minded.
Lessons from Qualifying
With forwards at their disposal including Drogba, Wilfried Bony and Lacina Traore to name just a few, scoring goals is not a problem. Keeping clean sheets, however, is – and when you look at the level of their opposition on the road to Brazil, this concern.
Verdict
The second round. The Ivorian attack can take the team far, even pull them out of trouble, but eventually the defence will leave the strikers with too much to do.
Key Player
Yaya Toure (left). The Manchester City man-mountain’s mix of penetrative and patient passing and invaluable match-winning ability make him the side’s fulcrum. After flourishing in a more attacking role since leaving Barcelona, he’s been given the freedom to charge forward for his country — and delivered. — FourFourTwo
derick.khumalo