Ivory Coast vs Portugal – Match Preview

As all eyes look to the fitness of Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast’s preparations for their first World Cup 2010 match have been focused on convincing the watching world that they are more than a one man team.

The Elephants kick off their campaign against Portugal tomorrow, and the involvement of their captain, who broke his elbow in a friendly game against Japan, is still unknown.

But Kolo Toure, the Manchester City defender, insists that Drogba’s potential absence will not halt his team’s charge out of a very difficult group. “It is normal that people are talking about him,” Toure told the BBC, “because he is a fantastic player, everybody knows that. But when it’s time to play for the national team, you can’t make it on your own; you need to have 23 very good players. In Ivory Coast, there is not only Drogba, there are some other really good players as well.”

Toure will take his place in the centre of defence tomorrow afternoon, and manager Sven Goran Eriksson may choose to partner him with Didier Zokora, despite the Sevilla midfielder usually playing ahead of the back four. “Against Portugal, one must have a mind of steel” Zokora told the Ivory Coast Football Federation’s website. “In my new role as defender, I have to try to bring my talent to the team.”

Eriksson has only had two games in charge of Ivory Coast, both friendlies, and has not had time to develop a settled side. Against Japan he selected a very attacking team but it is unknown how similar that line up will be to the team picked to face Portugal tomorrow.

Boubacar Barry is first choice goalkeeper, and will take his place in goal. The back four against Japan were Guy Demel, Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue and Siaka Tiene. Should Zokora be chosen to partner Toure it would most likely push Eboue to right back and leave the relatively inexperienced Demel on the bench.

If Zokora is implemented elsewhere, Yaya Toure will once again play alongside the impressive FC Twente star Cheick Tiote in midfield. But the 4-4-2 that Eriksson has favoured throughout his career may not suit the attacking quality in the Elephants’ squad.

Against Japan Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Aruna Dindane formed a front three, though Kalou has often impressed for Ivory Coast and Chelsea from the wings, so could push back into a four man midfield.

Playmaker Romaric and the highly talented attacking midfielder Gervinho will be pushing for a start, but a place on the bench may be more likely as they both have the potential to change the game should Plan A fail to inspire.

Defender Arthur Boka did not train on Friday, a thigh problem forcing him to sit out, but the key injury worry is the one which leaves the Ivory Coast starting strike force such a mystery.

Eriksson is convinced that Drogba has recovered sufficiently to play tomorrow, but admits that there is still a doubt over his eventual participation. “I can’t confirm that Didier Drogba will face Portugal, even though the recovery is going well,” said the Swede. “But the decision to play will depend on Didier himself and the specialists that are following him.”

Dindane is the closest to a replacement, should Drogba decide that missing tomorrow’s game will improve his odds of appearing in Ivory Coast’s final two group games, against Brazil and North Korea.

Portugal, meanwhile, have been struck by their own injury crisis. The influential Nani has been ruled out of the entire tournament after the winger injured his collarbone in training. The loss of Nani, who impressed after a fine season with Manchester United, is an undoubtable blow. But like Ivory Coast, Portugal’s players are often overshadowed by a superstar in their midst.

The mercurial Cristiano Ronaldo has rarely shown his club form for his country. But the absence of the goals which convinced Real Madrid to make him the most expensive player in history has not diminished the expectation attached to him.

The ageing midfield of Deco, Raul Meireles and Pedro Mendes will hope to win the battle of possession to provide their talismanic captain with chances. Attacking support will come in the form of the 32 year old Liedson, while the third striker in a probable front three is still up for grabs.

The Atletico Madrid winger Simao Sabrosa looks the most obvious replacement for Nani, but after a draining season he may be overlooked for Zenit St Petersburg star Danny.

With a fully fit Ronaldo, Portugal can afford to be seen as a one man team, as the rest of the undeniably talented squad will welcome the pressure it takes off their shoulders. Ivory Coast, on the other hand, hope to throw off that label, whether Drogba plays or not.

What is not in doubt is the attacking pedigree of both teams. Carlos Queiroz’s Portugal have pace and flair throughout, but the core of strength and combative play running through Ivory Coast, from Zokora through Yaya Toure to Dindane and Drogba, could provide a serious challenge to the Europeans.

With Brazil and North Korea making up the rest of Group G, Ivory Coast and Portugal may well be battling it out for second place. A victory in this game could be invaluable, while defeat could pave the way for early elimination. This tension may result in a cagey affair, but with both teams possessing players who can change a game in an instant, neither side can afford to hold out for a draw.

Prediction: Ivory Coast 2 – 1 Portugal