Coach : Henri Michel
Vastly-experienced manager who coached France for four years in the 1980s, including taking them to the semi-finals of the 1986 World Cup. Has also been in charge of Cameroon, Morocco, United Arab Emirates and Tunisia before taking on the Elephants. Is not everybody's cup of tea - back in 1988, Eric Cantona was banned from the French team for a year for swearing at him.
Key Players:
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba led by example during a tough qualifying campaign and his goal-scoring threat is the Ivory Coast's biggest strength. Didier Zokora is a powerful presence in midfield while Kolo Toure is the defensive heart of the side.
Form Guide
Last-gasp entry into the World Cup at the expense of Cameroon, but have real world-class talent and a host of European-based players, mainly in France and Belgium.
Form Versus Countries In Group
Have never appeared in a World Cup finals before.
Style Of Play
Organised and hard-working without being spectacular.
Group Verdict:
Perhaps Africa's best side but unfortunate to have landed in the group of death. Will do well to progress into the knockout phase - more likely to fight it out with Serbia and Montenegro to avoid the bottom place.
|
