A case for the Cote d’Ivoire defence

June 7th, 2006 | By: Ade Lamidi | 1 Comment »

I begin my analysis of the Cote d’Ivoire team by looking at the defence.

I expect Cote d’Ivoire to start with goalkeeper Jacques Tizie in goal and play with four defenders. Emmanuel Eboue at right back, Kolo Toure partnering Blaise Kouassi in central defence and Arthur Boka at left back.

No doubt the defence is the weakest link in the Cote d’Ivoire team. The whole team will have to defend well as a unit at the World Cup against the tricky and skillful Argentines.

Jacques Tizie is a very good goalkeeper with a lot of experience. He still plays for Tunisia’s Esperance and is nicknamed the ‘Shepherd’. He is the only member of the Ivorian squad playing without European football experience but is widely respected in the Cote d’Ivoire team.

Emmanuel Eboue is a very quick defender who has come of age this season for both Cote d’Ivoire and Arsenal. He played a key role for Arsenal alongside club and country team mate Kolo Toure in the Champions League.

Kolo Toure is also a widely experience defender at a tender age of 25. He is probably the one guy that the rest will look to command the defence. He featured in all Arsenal games leading to the European Cup final and also in Cote d’Ivoire’s team that reached the final of the African cup of Nations in Egypt.

Blaise Kouassi , is another veteran defender who is quick and strong in tackles. He is the weakest link in the defence and picks up too many cards. Has around 40 cards (including 7 red) to his name in 5 1/2 seasons and will have to watch his game if he gets the nod of over Cyril Domoraud or Abdoulaye Meite to partner Kolo Toure in defence.

Arthur Boka should play at left back. Very dependable, the diminutive and muscular player will run up and down the left flank all day. He had had a good season with Strasbourg and feature in their UEFA cup campaign.

There is also a lot of back up with the likes of Cyril Domoraud, Marc Zoro and Abdoulaye Meite all capable of playing a role if need be.

I will make a case for the midfield tomorrow.

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Comments

By Sukumar | June 9th, 2006 at 4:48 pm

It’s partly a good analysis of Ivory Coast defence. Although they are young, Toure and Eboue are very good defenders. They have learnt a lot from Arsenal trainer Arsene Wenger. They totally cut off Ronaldino and Eto in the Champions league final against Barcelona. I saw that match. Only once in the entire match Eboue made a mistake and Eto scored, but Eto was clearly in offside position. So, these two defenders can cut any Argentinian attack. The problem is the left flank of defence and with the goalkeeper.

Tizie has a big weakness. When he collects a shot, very often the ball rebounds from his hands giving others a chance to score. A good goalkeeoer never allows the ball to rebound off the hand. So the coach Michell has a job to train the goalkeeper properly. By extensive training, Tizie can be much better. I don’t understand why he does not get proper training. This is problem with all African teams. They don’t produce good goalkeepers because they lack proper training of goalkeepers.

Kouassi is not good at all. He can bring misfortune for the whole team. He plays wreckless football. He likes to get red and yellow cards. He can bring down the team. He should not be given the first choice to play. I think two the players in the left flank of defence shold be chosen from Boka, Meite and Zoro. Domoraud is worthless today. He is too old today and plays in second division in French league. He can’t stop Argentinian strikers.

Best wishes for Ivory Coast. I wish Ivory Coast will win the first match.

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