Group Strength
Every tournament has a group of death and the Ivory Coast has unfortunately found itself drawn into it for the second time in succession. Four years ago they finished third in a group containing Argentina and the Netherlands and this time around, Les Elephantes must overcome Brazil or Portugal (ranked first and third in the world) if they wish to progress.
Qualifying for their first World Cup since 1966, when they were knocked out by (four goal) Eusebio's Portugal in the quarter finals. North Korea's goal will to avoid the tag of 'whipping boys' but in this group of death will surely be the ones ending up six-points-under.
Group Favourites
One bookmaker has Brazil as odds on favourites to top group G and La Selecção are 9/2 second favourites to win the cup itself on July 11th.
Current manager Dunga, who captained the side to victory in USA '94, has tried to instill a strong work ethic to compliment the natural attacking flair encapsulated in Kaka and Robinho. As a consequence, party animal, Ronaldinho was omitted, despite a decent season with AC Milan. His club mate Alexandre Pato, was also left out, deemed not fit enough after persistent hamstring injuries limited the 20 year old's game time since January.
Dunga's influence will give Brazil more steel than samba and over three games their common tongued brethren from Portugal will surely push them all the way for the top spot.
Battle for Second
Three points against North Korea will be vital for any side to progress. And Sven Goran Erikssons Ivory Coast will target Portugal as vulnerable prey.
With the fervent Vuvuzela blowing local support likely to support a fellow African nation, both Brazil and Portugal will consider Didier Drogba and co. as stern opposition and so will not be taking them lightly.
Portugal will need Cristiano Ronaldo to reach the high standards he sets at club level, but the supporting cast of Ricardo Carvalho, Raul Meireles, and Miguel Veloso will provide leadership throughout the side.
The Outsiders
Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea are rank outsiders and will struggle to get a point against some of the planets most recognisable footballers.
The Ivorian's, as with four years ago will be dark horses and nobody will look forward to playing them should they advance to the knockout stages. But the big boys will be expecting the ambush so don't bet on the upset.
Going Forward
There is great incentive to finish top of the group of death, it is paired with Group H so the runners up are likely to face tournament favourites Spain in round two. While the side who tops the pool will face the less daunting prospect of Chile or Switzerland. Brazil are capable of going all the way in the tournament but a slow start against the Koreans could see them finish behind Portugal. Either way a cracking game of knockout football is on the cards when Spain call around.
Fixtures
Ivory Coast v Portugal, June 15th (15.00)
Brazil v DPR Korea, June 15th (19:30)
Brazil v Ivory Coast June 20th (19.30)
Portugal v DPR Korea June 21st (12.30)
Ivory Coast v DPR Korea June 25th (15.00)
Portugal v Brazil, June 25th (15.00)
Prediction
1st- Portugal
2nd- Brazil
3rd - Ivory Coast
4th- DPR Korea
No comments:
Post a Comment