Of all of Africa’s four debutants at the World Cup, Côte d’Ivoire could be the side best placed to spring a shock.
The Ivorians pulled off a dramatic upset in qualifying by eliminating four-time finalists Cameroon and as a result will arrive in Germany knowing that sometimes miracles do happen.
Under the guidance of experienced former France coach Henri Michel, the ”Elephants” qualified after Cameroon missed an injury-time penalty in their final game that would have seen the Ivorians pipped at the post.
A strong showing at the African Nations Cup in Egypt earlier this year — when they were beaten on penalties by the hosts in the final — has fuelled optimism that Michel’s men can emulate 2002 first-timers Senegal, who confounded the pundits by advancing to the last eight in Japan.
Though the Ivorians could not have asked for a more difficult group — Argentina, The Netherlands and Serbia are their first round opponents — there is enough talent in their squad to make life awkward for their Group C rivals.
Didier Drogba spearheads the Côte d’Ivoire challenge, and the Chelsea striker will be relishing the chance to come up against club teammates Hernan Crespo of Argentina and Dutchman Arjen Robben.
Drogba’s goals proved crucial in qualifying — he contributed nine in total — and he has built up a useful partnership with Aruna Dindane.
The absence of a true playmaker is a concern although Bonaventure Kalou of Paris Saint Germain may be able to fill the void in midfield, where he forms part of a useful axis with Yaya Toure and Didier Zokora.
In defence, the Ivorians can call on the imposing presence of Arsenal star Kolo Toure, who has been the key figure in the Gunners’ superb European campaign this season.
The Ivorians Achilles heel could be a tendency to lose concentration at crucial moments.
It almost led to them missing out on a qualifying spot, when they slipped up against Cameroon in their penultimate round of fixtures and Michel knows that a similar lapse could be fatal in Germany. – Sapa-AFP