World Cup 2010 News: Ivory Coast

Showing posts with label Ivory Coast. Show all posts

Friday, 11 June 2010

Didier Drogba makes swift recovery may play against Portugal

Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba could start their opening World Cup game against Portugal next week, coach Sven Goran Eriksson said on Thursday.

Drogba, 32, broke his arm during a friendly against Japan on June 4, and needed surgery.

'If the game had been today or tomorrow, he wouldn't play. But there are still some days. He might play against Portugal,' Eriksson told journalists at the team's arrival on Thursday.

On the mend: Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba (right) has an operation on his broken arm

Ivory Coast take on Portugal next Tuesday in Group G in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth.

They have been drawn in a tough group, which includes North Korea and five-times World Cup winners Brazil.

'It is a difficult group, but we will be well prepared and we will do everything to play well against the other teams,' Eriksson said.

Wednesday, 2 June 2010

Portugal boost as Pepe is given the all clear

Pepe is going to South Africa with Portugal. The Real Madrid player has received medical clearance to participate in this summer’s World Cup.

The news that Carlos Queiroz most wanted to hear was confirmed on the site of the Portuguese Football Federation yesterday:

“The medical teams of the National Seleccao, Real Madrid, Juan Carlos Hernandez and Carlos Diez, and the surgeon who operated on Pepe, Jose Carlos Noronha, agreed to pronounce medical clearance to the Portugal international, meaning the player can continue to comply with the programme of gradual sporting integration.”

Pepe was outstanding for Portugal in the qualification campaign, playing as a defensive midfielder, but has not played a competitive match since rupturing his cruciate knee ligaments in December.

His recovery is a huge boost for the national team, although question marks will remain about whether he will be match fit in South Africa, especially for the first game against Ivory Coast on June 15th.

Monday, 31 May 2010

Ivory Coast defense lets them down against Paraguay

Once again question marks will be raised about the Ivorian defence as they failed to show a disciplined defensive performance in their Praguay friendly yesterday.

Ivory Coast wasted a two-goal lead Sunday to draw 2-2 with Paraguay in a friendly that marked coach Sven-Goran Eriksson's first game in charge.

Didier Drogba netted with a 54th-minute free kick that was deflected by the Paraguay wall and deceived goalkeeper Justo Villar.

Substitute Soulemayne Bamba made it 2-0 in the 74th, arriving late at the far post to volley home a deep cross.

Paraguay substitute Lucas Barrios scored a minute later with a powerful low shot and Aureliano Torres then saw his free kick deflected into the Ivorians' net in the 89th.

Eriksson, who took England to the quarterfinals at the past two World Cups, was appointed in March to lead Ivory Coast in South Africa.

Sunday, 30 May 2010

Sven Eriksson says progress from Group of Death possible

Ivory Coast manager Sven-Goran Eriksson believes that his team are capable of progressing from the World Cup’s ‘Group of Death.’ Eriksson took charge of the Ivory Coast team on March 28, replacing Vahid Halilhodzic after a poor African Nations Cup performance.

The former England manager has been leading him team at their training camp in Switzerland and will manage his first match with the Ivory Coast on Sunday when the Elephants take on fellow World Cup participants Paraguay.

Despite being placed into a group with Portugal, Brazil and North Korea, Eriksson is confident that his squad can progress to the knockout stages in South Africa.

"We know that we are in a very difficult group, but I really believe we have a good chance to move on," Eriksson told Swedish newspaper Sportbladet.

"It is a golden opportunity (for an African nation) to go far in the World Cup in Africa."

The 62-year-old thinks that the Ivory Coast have a strong and unique team that can overcome the fact that he has only been with the squad a short time.

"The time is short, yes. But I cannot do anything about it. It is up to us leaders and players to form a team on and off the field. And I think we are going the right way. (The squad has) a combination of technique, speed, and many of them are so incredibly physically strong. It is a very interesting team. I have never had a team with that combination before."

Eriksson, who led England to the quarter-finals in 2002 and 2006 World Cups, considers the task of leading Ivory Coast a more difficult assignment.

"This is perhaps a greater challenge, although there was a big challenge with England also," he said.

"It feels wonderful in every case. I know we have a good team and going into a World Cup is more than wonderful.

Tuesday, 4 May 2010

Fernando Torres may miss start of World Cup

Spain's chances at the World Cup took a knock as Liverpool striker is ruled out of the opening games by Liverpool medical staff.

The 26-year-old is recovering from surgery to repair knee cartilage torn in the 4-1 win over Benfica on 8 April.

"Whether he will be fit for the first game or not is uncertain," said Peter Brukner who is overseeing his recovery.

"But, if he continues to progress the way he is, he should be fit to play at some stage during the World Cup."

Spain, current European champions and one of the pre-tournament favourites, play their first match in Group H is against Switzerland on 16 June.

Games against Honduras on the 21 June and Chile on 25 June then follow.

If they progress to the knock-out stages, Spain will play a second-round match against one of Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast or North Korea on the 28 or 29 June.

Boss Vicente del Bosque also has injury concerns over midfielder Xavi who is playing through a calf tear that may see him ruled out of the World Cup.

The 30-year-old is playing on in an attempt to help Barcelona hold off Real Madrid's challenge and win a second successive Spanish league title.

But del Bosque said although he was worried about Torres, expectations for his recovery were good.

"I am sure that when the moment comes all the players will say they are fine but we are the ones who have to evaluate and decide the risk that should be taken," he said at a Spanish soccer federation event in Madrid.

"We cannot go to South Africa with four or five doubtful players," he added. "We have good hearts but we have to listen to our heads."

Bruker, who was appointed as Liverpool's head of sports medicine and sports science in March, believes there is a balance to be struck between the demands of club and country for Torres.

"He is certainly tremendously committed to his rehab, as are the staff here, and if anyone can recover from an injury, he can," he said.

"Hopefully we can get a compromise where he plays in the World Cup and he is fit and well for Liverpool next season."

Torres spent a month on the sidelines after a knee operation in January and was hampered by a troublesome groin injury before Christmas.

Despite the disruption, the former Atletico Madrid forward has scored 22 goals in his third season for the Reds, including 18 in 22 Premier League appearances.

Torres has an impressive record at international tournaments, scoring three goals in four games in the 2006 World Cup and the winner against Germany in the Euro 2008 final.

Sunday, 2 May 2010

Eriksson looks forward to return bout with Portugal

Ivory Coast's new manager Sven Goran Eriksson is looking forward to facing Portugal again in the World Cup bringing back memories of the the last time he faced them as the then manager of England.

Portugal defeated Eriksson's England on penalties in the quarter-finals at Euro 2004 before doing the same two years later in a controversial World Cup contest which saw Wayne Rooney sent off.

The Ivory Coast kick off their World Cup campaign against Portugal before facing Brazil and North Korea and, while Eriksson recognises the importance of their first match, he claims he will not be thinking of his England days.

"Brazil is favourite to win the group and second should be us or Portugal or North Korea on paper," Eriksson told Press Association Sport. "But that's on paper.

"But the first match for us is really important. There's no sense of revenge, this time it can't be penalty shoot-outs that's for sure.

"I'm looking forward to that but first we have to start the preparation and it's still far away. But it's important."

Despite being drawn in the so-called 'group of death' Eriksson insists a quarter-final spot is their target and is not even considering failing to progress from their pool.

He said: "To go through would be a success from a group like that.

"If we can reach the quarter-final I think everyone should be thinking it's a great success from an African team, for the Ivory Coast. That's the first target.

Tuesday, 23 March 2010

Ivory Coast finally get a coach (and it's Sven)

Sven Goran Eriksson is set to lead Ivory Coast at the World Cup finals.

Jacques Anouma, head of the African country's FA, is in Paris to conclude negotiations with the former England manager, who emerged as the frontrunner after Guus Hiddink turned down the chance to replace Vahid Halilhodzic.

The Elephants had been hoping to convince Guus Hiddink to take the reins in South Africa, but saw their efforts come to nothing.

The Dutchman is currently between jobs, having parted with Russia and yet to take charge of new employers Turkey.

However, an agreement could not be reached and the Ivoirians have been forced to turn their attention elsewhere.

Swedish tactician Eriksson was quickly installed as their top choice, with the former Mexico and England boss looking for work after leaving his role as director of football at Notts County in February.

He has prior experience of life at the World Cup, having guided England to the finals in 2002 and 2006.

Ivory Coast general secretary Hegaurd Ouattara admits Eriksson was not the leading candidate to replace Vahid Halihodzic, but is delighted with the appointment.

"He was not out first choice. That was Guus Hiddink," he said.

"But Eriksson's record speaks for itself."

Tuesday, 16 March 2010

Ivory Coast says no to Keshi

Former national coach of Togo and Mali Stephen Keshi has been turned down by Ivory Coast for the post of their vacant national team manager.

The Ivorian football federation have turned down interest in for their vacant national team coach position from former Malian coach Stephen Keshi....

Ivory Coast has been innundated by interest in their national coaching position since the sack of former coach Vahid Halihodzic. The latest manager to express interest was former Malian coach Stephen Keshi.

Keshi who has also coached Togo was reported to have said of Ivory Coast "It is a dream team and everyone supports the team. The federation and the people behind the team. It is a team looking for consistency and I think I can bring that.

However his approach has been rebuffed by the Ivorians, their Federation President Jacques Anouma alluding to Keshi's poor outing with Mali at the last African Cup of Nations said "We were in Angola we saw how all the teams performed, we all know each other"

Sunday, 14 March 2010

Hiddink says no to Ivory Coast

With less than a 100 days to go to the World Cup Ivory Coast is still without a coach and now their desperate (and ridiculous) pursuit of Guus Hiddink seems to have come to nothing.

Hiddink's complicated contractual arrangements mean he can't do the Ivorien job.

Hiddink is contracted with Russia until 30 June and has signed a deal to coach Turkey that starts in August.

He said taking charge of the Elephants temporarily will affect his commitment his current and future employers.

"If I had signed for Ivory Coast, then I would have missed these games and to tell the truth I don't think that something for me to do," Hiddink said.

"Although I had a great conversation with the federal president and chief executive Jacques Anouma, I myself had already decided not to go.

"It was a decision taken to avoid unnecessary confusion.

"Though I must admit that with the Ivory Coast it has not been easy."

Russia failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing a play-off against Slovenia and Hiddink was hoping to negotiate an early release from his contract to enable him coach the Ivorians.

But a deal could not be reached so Hiddink will stay in charge of Russia until his contract expires.

Saturday, 5 December 2009

World Cup Draw Reaction : Portugal

Carlos Queiroz the Portuguese coach was unperturbed by his team ending up in what has been tagged the Group of Death reacting after the Draw held in Cape Town, Queiroz said

"I’m pleased. It’s a fantastic group for world football. And we’ve got North Korea too, a team that triggers good memories of the 1966 World Cup (when Portugal came back from three goals down to beat Korea DPR 5-3 in the quarter-finals). All we’re missing now are Hungary, Pele and Eusebio!"

"Deep down, I hope that we’re already qualified by the time we face Brazil in our third match, but counting on that would be to show a lack of respect for our other two opponents. When one of the teams in the group is Brazil, who’ve won five world titles, I’ve no hesitation in saying that they’re the favourites. Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka being together at Real Madrid will be interesting, but it doesn’t stop there. Look at Chelsea, for instance, who’ve got both Portuguese and Ivorian players. I think there’s going to be an intriguing atmosphere at a number of clubs."

He also reacted to earlier comments from Bazilian coach Dunga who had likened the match between Brazil and Portugal as a match between Brazil and Brazil B. Queiroz repsonded "As for the match between 'Brazil A and Brazil B', I think that’s an amusing way of looking at it. But anyway, I’m sure that just as many of the Brazilians have Portuguese grandparents or great-grandparents, so I think that makes us even. The only thing that’s certain is that it’ll be a great contest."

World Cup Draw Reaction : Cote d'Ivoire

Last Saturdays draw saw possible the worst outcome Cote D'Ivoire could have imagined. With with Group G opponents Brazil, Portugal and North Korea the football world has wasted no time in tagging this group the group of death and it seems Ivorien coach Vahid Halilhodzic agrees.

Speaking after the draw he lamented "To be honest it’s a terrible group. Very, very difficult. Brazil are second in the FIFA World Ranking and Portugal are fifth. It’s hard to imagine anything worse than that. Before the draw I said: “I’ll take anyone except Brazil or Spain.” I think a black cat must have followed me here in Cape Town."

"But there’s no point cursing our luck now. We’re here and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got. I know that my team are capable of springing a surprise, even against Brazil or Portugal. I even think that the fact we’re facing these teams could motivate my players more. I really hope that we can cause an upset."

It is the second straight Group of Death the Ivoriens have featured in. In the last World Cup in 2006 they were grouped with Argentina, Netherlands and Serbia & Montenegro in what was the 2006 World Cup Group of Death.

World Cup Draw Reaction : Brazil

Brazilian coach Dunga says their World Cup group of Brazil, Portugal and Noth Korea is not a Group of Death even though the media and fans had tagged the group as such.

Speaking after the Draw Dunga said, "I don’t like all that 'Group of Death' stuff. If you look at the draw, you’ll see that all the groups, perhaps with the exception of Spain’s, are very even. North Korea are, in theory, a weaker side, but it’s tricky playing against a team you don’t know much about. For us, our opening game is the most difficult one."

"Then it will be our second game and so on. Côte d’Ivoire are going to make us work very hard. Most of their players are at big European clubs and they have [Didier] Drogba, who is one of the world’s best strikers. African teams no longer fit with people’s preconceptions; they’ve allied competitiveness to their technical ability."

"And of course we’ve got a huge rivalry with Portugal. We’ve played twice against them recently, winning one and losing one, but this will be a different story altogether – it’s the World Cup. They’ve got three Brazilians (Pepe, Deco and Liedson) in their team so it’s going to be like Brazil vs Brazil B. What’s more, it’s going to be nice to see the healthy rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, two of the best players on the planet who play for the same club side."

"It’s a balanced group but that’s what we expected. From a logistical perspective, it’ll be interesting to play our first two games in Johannesburg."

World Cup 2010 News