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.
World Cup 2010: Cote D’Ivoire 0, Portugal 0 - Didier Drogba Plays, Misses Late Chance In Socreless Draw
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.
Cote d’Ivoire, however, had the better of play throughout the match. Strong play through the midfield stifled Portugal, while the Elephants were able to put a number of good balls through the six from the flanks. A lack of presence in the area let the Ivorians wanting, with only a poorly taken Gervinho header coming closer to a score.
In context, it was a good performance for Cote d’Ivoire, who looked organized in defense and ambitious in attack, two qualities they had struggled to show at the African Cup of Nations, before Sven-Göran Eriksson took over. In the Swede’s first competitive match as Cote d’Ivoire coach, he leads the Elephants to a 0-0 draw with the world’s third ranked team.
Cote d’Ivoire now move on to a match with Brazil, while Portugal awaits North Korea.
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