Key Matchup Preview: Ivory Coast vs…Ivory Coast

January 7th, 2010 | by: Elliott |

So, everyone is in agreement that the Ivory Coast is one of the most talented teams in the African Cup of Nations. With EPL stalwarts Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Eboue, Yaya Toure, and Kolo Toure, they boast a strong spine that is the toast of the town. But, what people often overlook is simple yet crucial fact. No matter who the Ivory Coast plays, they must always rely on Ivory Coast players.

And thus I present the crucial matchup of matchups: the Ivory Coast vs….itself.

Abdoulaye Meite vs. the Coach

The Elephants backline boasts the likes of Emmanuel Eboue (boo-ay booo) and Kolo Toure, appearing most robust. However, slotting alongside them will be Mr. Abdoulaye, who currently plays for West Bromich Albion. The Ivorian’s love affair with the UK actually started at the Wandering Wanderers of Bolton. But what happened at Bolton? To put it succinctly: things ended poorly. Quite poorly.

Now, to put it largely.

In a loss to Manchester United in 2008, the Bolton manager held Meite personally accountable for both tallies. Yes, a defender was told he was to blame for a goal being conceded! Groundbreaking. Meite’s response? He refused to come out for the second half, was promptly shipped to the reserves, and did not play the rest of the season.

In a further twist, Meite remained on the roster and was actually given the beloved 10 jersey, only to then be sold to EPL baby West Brom. A negotiating tactic? Probably. Maybe. Or perhaps just bizarre.

In terms of the African Nations Cup, the Meite vs. Coach matchup is absolutely critical because Meite maybe, just maybe, as a defender may be accountable for the conceding of a goal. And after that, I could definitely see major problems for the manager.

Emerson Fae vs. the Manager

Didier Zokora of Sevilla has 70 caps and should start alongside Yaya Toure in midfield. But the key midfield dynamo could be Emerson Fae. Fae had similar EPL growing pains. He struggled to break into the Reading first team, and, in the good spirit of selfish stubborness, steadfastly refused to play for the reserves. In fact, he flew to France without permission, informed Reading he would never play for them again, and got loaned to Nice. Nice then signed him to a long-term deal.

So, basically, if he does not start alongside Didier and Yaya, expect him to be a “positive ambiance guy.” I suspect the manager may have to assign him a “24 hour buddy” to minimize the flight risk. Then again, maybe a flight to France could be in the ‘Coast’s best interest. Only time will tell. But watch this matchup closely!

Abdoulaye Meite vs. Salomon Kalou

As if Abdo did not have a bad enough rap, he also got Salomon in serious trouble a few months ago. Apparently, the two had a training ground bustup and were suspended for the Coast’s last World Cup qualifier, a win over Guinea. My unreliable sources indicate that the two of them actually fought over comfortable seating on the bench. Apparently, the bench was not long enough for the both of them, so Kalou brought a cushion. He then refused to share the cushion with Meite. Enter Rocky Four.

Nevertheless, both sides admitted mistakes, accepted punishment (suspension), and Abdo admitted that “we have to preserve the spirit in the squad.”

That’s the spirit!

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Lievin

This is the most bizarre post i have even seen written about the Ivory Coast team… This team has proven over the past few years that they are top quality.. Abdoulay Meite had problems with his manager at Bolton… what Manager singles out one player to shoulder the blame for a poor result.. poor coaching if you ask me…
Emerse Fae is a quality player.. he had the courage of his conviction and did not want to be playing with the reserve.. should he have remained quiet and risk being stuck in the reserves…. Now what does this have to do with playing with the National Team of Ivory Coast.. Sorry but i found the article very poorly written and devoid of logical reasoning .. now if the Ivory Coast were a poor team then you could explain away the poor result by extending individual players issues with their team coach as beeing reason why the national team was failing.. but the Ivory Coast is 16 in the FIFA ranking and i do not realistically see any team in Europe today confident of winning against the Ivory Coast anytime.. so i had a hard time following your reasoning and the rationale to support the theme of your message..Is the case of your message that the Ivory Coast players lack discipline that the team beat itself…I guessed you have never played football if that is what you are trying to convey
http://futfanatico.com Elliott

Lievin -

I’m not sure if you are familiar with my genesis of work or if my writing style suits your literal analytical approach. I noticed in the second paragraph you seemed to grasp the ironic undertones and I hope we can respectfully disagree on our interpretations of the game, players, and coaches.

While nobody can doubt the individual talent of the Ivory Coast players, one of the key aspects of any player is “coachability” – the ability to work well with others and different managers. It’s why a talented team like the Dutch only go so far before imploding, whereas perhaps Italy boasts less individual flair, but gets results.

I appreciate your insight, recognize my irony does not go over well for everyone, this prose was not my cleanest effort, and wish you the best! On that note, I am a fan of the Ivory Coast as well.

Go Elephants!
tony edmonds

i found this artical very entertaining and having just watched the last half hour of the ivory coast opening game (the paint peeling of the wall behind the telly was more entertaining)i can see the point go elephant was making the football is a team game and if a mediocer over paid player is not prepared to play in the resevers to prove he can do the job he should be shown the door and how can u have team spirit if two players can not sit side by side on bench for a short time without fighting
Elliott

Yeah Tony I went through a serious hassle to find a stream stateside and my thoughts can best be described as “blah.” I would say things can only improve, but, but….they got a point. And the game against Ghana will be much more difficult