In the most anticipated World Cup 2010 match so far (England-US excluded), Cote d’Ivoire and Portugal played to a scoreless tie. The superstars from both sides had chances, including a rocket off the foot of Ronaldo that hit the post.
World Cup 2010: Cote D’Ivoire, Portugal Play To Scoreless Draw Despite Chances From Ronaldo, Drogba
World Cup 2010: Cote D’Ivoire 0, Portugal 0 - Didier Drogba Plays, Misses Late Chance In Socreless Draw
Abdulkader Kieta rolled a ball toward the six yard box in the 92nd minute when Didier Drogba, subbed-on with a broken arm in the 66th minute of Cote d’Ivoire’s match with Portugal, ran on for a potential match-winner, only to pull the ball wide and keep Tuesday’s second match drawn nil-nil.
After 180 minutes, the two teams thought to be vying for the second, knockout stage spot in Brazil’s Group G, combined for three shots on goal, the best of which was Cristiano Ronaldo’s early attempt at Boubacar Barry’s goal that want off the outside of the post.
Read Article >World Cup 2010: Cote D’Ivoire 0, Portugal 0 - Cristiano Ronaldo Post Rattler Highlights Scoreless First Half
Portugal and Cote d’Ivoire are scoreless at halftime at Mandela Bay Stadium in South Africa, the opening match of the World Cup for each side.
Following the pattern of many of the tournament’s previous matches, the first half was bereft of scoring opportunities The lone exception was a blast from Cristiano Ronaldo the rattled the outside of the post.
Read Article >Portugal Vs. Cote d’Ivoire: Didier Drogba Named To Bench For Portugal Match After Cast Approved
Didier Drogba, the Ivory Coast captain, has been named to the bench for Tuesday’s match versus Portugal, after receiving clearance to participate in the Group G opener for both sides.
Drogba, who suffered a broken arm a little more than a week ago, will be allowed to wear a protective cast on his right arm, only after it gained approval from both FIFA and Portugal.
Read Article >World Cup 2010 Portugal Vs. Cote D’Ivoire Preview: The Advantages For The Seleccao
Cote d’Ivoire has as much talent as Bosnia, but they lack the tactical accumen needed to break down Portugal. Or, better phrased, they have lacked the accumen, prior to Sven-Goran Eriksson’s hiring. Eriksson is a proven club and international coach, but given only three weeks to turn around the fortunes of a flawed site, it may be asking too much for him to have a plan in place that will break down Portugal.
The lack of organization in attack is equally present at the back, where the Ivorians do not have a Drogba-like player to save them. There, they rely on Kolo Touré, who has had a subpar year for club and country. Against the likes of Deco, Raul Miereles, Simão and Liedson, Cote d’Ivoire will have to give one of their best defensive performances of the last two years in order to contain Portugal. And again, does Sven-Goran Eriksson’s lack of time in the team hurt Cote d’Ivoire here.
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