World Cup Analysis

Much was expected of the Ivory Coast this summer but, although they pushed Argentina and Holland hard, the tournament was ultimately hugely disappointing for Henri Michel’s side.

Ivory Coast were amongst the sides many were most looking forward to watching in Germany this summer. Their band of proven players on the European scene, together with the side’s success at the African Nations Cup earlier this year, led many pundits to believe that, despite finding themselves in the least hospitable of groups, the Africans had a reasonable chance of reaching the quarter-finals. Indeed, Frank Beckenbauer was so impressed that he said “If Ivory Coast can get out of their group, I can see them getting all the way to the final.”

Following all the hype, the tournament itself was something of an anticlimax for the Elephants – even if much of the praise afforded to them before the World Cup did look justified. Ivory Coast proved a powerful side with tremendous – and relentless – running power, and numerous talented players who could turn games. Yet, despite the best efforts of Messrs Drogba, Zakora and the two Toures, ultimately it was not good enough.

Both of Ivory Coast’s defeats followed an eerily similar formula. In the initial exchanges, the Elephants were forceful in the tackle and made it clear facing giants of the world game in Argentina and Holland did not overawe them. After conceding goals midway through the first half, the Ivorians then found themselves over-exposed, such was their admirable offensive intent, and their opponents struck killer second goals.

The Ivory Coast’s dynamism and remarkable fitness saw them dominate the second-halves against both heavyweights of the world game

But the Ivory Coast’s dynamism and remarkable fitness saw them dominate the second-halves against both heavyweights of the world game. They did the same against Serbia and Montenegro, producing a stirring comeback to win after trailing 2-0 for the third consecutive match. In this way, the Ivorians’ natural attacking inclination may have proved their undoing; had they been level at half-time against Argentina and Holland they would surely have proved extremely dangerous on the counter-attack.

The exploits of Ghana, in a group almost as competitive, proved just how unkind the draw was to the Ivory Coast. Placed in many other groups, they would surely have progressed – few could refute the claim they acquitted themselves better than Ecuador, Sweden, Mexico and Ukraine, for example, each of whom qualified from their respective groups.

Yet, despite the manner in which they impressed so many observers, the Ivorains did suffer from fundamental weaknesses in front of both goals. Eccentric keeper Jean-Jacques Tizie was something of a liability, as illustrated by the fact he was blinded by his wall when Robin van Persie put Holland into the lead against the Ivory Coast; centre-back Abdoulaye Meite was also targeted, and was a shadow of defensive partner Kolo Toure, who excelled.

The fact Ivory Coast scored five times yet finishing ability was still a severe weakness perhaps shows how well they played. Didier Drogba, though impressive in his ability to involve other players, was too profligate in front of goal; coach Henri Michel was made to regret the goal-scoring burden on the captain’s shoulders. However, Bakari Kone did score one of the goals of the tournament against Holland, while Aruna Dindane struck a brace in the dead rubber with Serbia and Montenegro.

One could only imagine the trouble Drogba could have caused alongside a more natural finisher like new Chelsea signing Salomon Kalou, had the player not been trying – and failing – to play for Holland in this World Cup. Having failed, Kalou says he would now like to play for the country of his birth in the future.

Two of the Ivory Coast’s stars were Didier Zakora and Yaya Toure, who each performed superbly in the centre of midfield and epitomised their side’s mentality through their purposeful runs and sheer dynamism.

Manager Henri Michel, who did so well to guide the country to their first ever World Cup finals, was honest in blaming their early exit on defensive naivety and a penchant for conceding a pair of goals in quick succession. Thus, the Ivory Coast appeared very nearly as good as the two sides who progressed from Group C, but a very subtle class difference was nonetheless apparent.

Tags: Ivory Coast

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