But now, the topic at hand.

Burkina Fasso tied the Ivory Coast 0-0 and has complicated matters for the Elephants. Because Togo withdrew, the ‘Coast has one game left, against the powerful Ghana. If they lose to Ghana by a worse margin than Burkina Fasso, they could fail to make the knock-out phases.

But you already knew that. What you did not know is now about to be tested by a series of word associations. I need you to clear your head first. Breathe. Relax. Ready? No, you’re not. Breathe. Relax. Okay. Here we go.

Mercury.

Did you think of the planet? Did you think of the periodic table? I personally thought of the lead singer to a fabled rock and roll band, but we were both wrong. You should have thought of Didier Drogba, whose mercurial performances plague and inspire the Elephants.

Now, onto the next word. Well, two words.

Burkina Fasso.

You didn’t think of anything? Your head stayed blank? Congratulations – that is the correct answer. The ‘Coast beat Burkina Fasso twice in World Cup qualifying, yet inexplicably failed to record a victory. Well, perhaps somewhat explicably. Drogba had a half-claim to a penalty kick and the Elephants failed to finish chances. But still, Burkina Fasso? Yes. Burkina Fasso. Now say that three times fast. Still nothing? Same here.

Ghana

You thought of a country, didn’t you? Or worse, Michael Essien. Wrong and wronger. You should have thought of a typographical error – I meant to say “gonna,” as in “going.” As in, the ‘Coast is “gonna” beat Ghana. Please keep in mind my extensive qualifications when making this prediction.

Eboue

Did you think of the defender of Arsenal distinction that plays for the ‘Coast? Wrong. You should have thought of the word “boo.” No, I am not referring to the fact that the Elephants were a ghost of their former selves. No, I am not referring to the colloquial term of “boo” as “significant other.” I mean boo as in – Boo, I want my money back. The Coast manager has put a positive spin on the match, but surely the Elephants and their fans deserved much much better.

Alright, another two word treat.

Ivory Coast.

Did you think of a country? Did you think of a football team? Wrongnous appears contagious. You should have thought of a very nice and elegant coaster upon which to place a delicious beverage. And the Elephants will be similar placeholders if they don’t put together a more effective performance against Ghana this Friday…

The African Cup of Nations and World Cup draws have both ended. And I take from these events one unalterable and eternal truth: Didier Drogba is death.

Allow me to make my case.

In 2006, the Ivory Coast was drawn with Serbia, Argentina, and the Netherlands. Argentina had been knocked out of the 2002 World Cup in the first round, the Dutch implode like clockwork, and Serbia was, and is, Serbia. So what made that group so menacing? Was it Roman Riquelme’s footspeed? Nemanja Vidic’s footskills? Marco Van Basten’s charming personality? No. It was one man. Didier Drogba.

The African Cup of Nations pot 1 group, with Egypt and Camaroon, would be a difficult group…but for Drogba’s ominous presence. Now all shudder for fear of the mask of the red death. And the World Cup 2010? Group G? G stands for grisly demise. The North Korean Republic may not make your knees tremble, but neither Portugal nor Brazil wanted to cross swords with the Coite d’Voire. Why? Surely Carvahlo and Alex have some tips and tricks on stopping Didier from Chelsea training sessions.

But there is only one way to stop Didier: die. Die slowly. Die painfully. Die…mercilessly.

Now I am a lover of alliteration, so Drogba tickles my fancy in that regard. But he also does play football. And play it quite well. In many ways, Drogba’s game reflects all of societies’ preoccupations and fascination with death. He attacks in many forms…

You thought you’d see your own demise a mile away? Didier Drogba is not opposed to throwing hand grenades from afar, all the better to surprise you.

I’m sorry – did you think you were smarter than death? Didier Drogba is no fool – at times, he will out think you.

I’m sorry, did you think you could outmuscle death? Drogba leaps into danger with little to fear.

I know your retort – Drogba does dive. But what happens when Drogba the shadow on the ground picks himself up, sharpens his scythe, and the fire in his eyes burns into your very soul?

The Ivory Coast is a fine side, with the Toures locking down the defense and Kalou making neat cameo appearences. But only one player haunts central defender’s dreams. Only one player, in the blink of an eye, can cause the demise of two years of World Cup qualifying.

Sleep tight Carvahlo. Sleep tight, Alex. Drogba is watching you train every single day…and only he knows the contents of the last chapter of your storied careers.

Jon Obi Mikel vs. Anyone:  Some people say Mikel plays a bit rough and reckless, and yes his challenging can be mindless at times.  Nevertheless, he is a savy holding midfielder akin to the likes of Yaya Toure, and at his age has a TON of potential.  It will be interesting to watch him matchup with man Didier Drogba, and the rest of his teammates.

Didier Drogba vs. Whoever thinks they can stop him:  Drogba has made a speedy recovery and is hungry to establish himself as healthy and still freaking good.  He is the pivot point to the Elephants success and if he plays the unstoppable style of attacking soccer that he is capable of every team will have some problems.

Kanu & Obafemi Martins vs. Eboue & Toure: EPL on parade here with two quality strikers against two wily defenders.  
Nigeria boasts a ton of speed upfront and it will math up nicely against some the Elephants stronghold defenders.

My prediction for the match is a draw, for a few reasons.  It’s the first game of the tournament for both these clubs and no one wants to , or quite frankly needs to over exert themselves in the first game.  I don’t expect a goalless draw, so 1-1 makes a ton more sense, but hey crazier things have happened haven’t they.  

ELEPHANTS ALL THE WAY!!!

Yesterday the Elephants lost to
Austria 3-2 but played well despite the score line.  
Austria’s goals were the first conceded under new coach Uli Stieleke.  Drogba scored both goals from spot kicks; the first was a driven free kick in the 53^rd and the second a PK in the final minute.  The Elephants were reduced to ten men but still played enough to earn the win, but a playing a man down is always difficult.

In player news Drogba has stated that he is now unhappy with the direction
Chelsea is going and would prefer to leave.  He has said in the past that he would prefer
Italy and more specifically AC Milan.  As a Rossoneri fan all I can say is I cannot wait to see that move happen.  

Like the other two games, the Ivorians went 2-0 down in the first 19 minutes courtesy some slack defending and a clueless goalkeeper.

This match had everything.

Two penalties awarded to Cote d’Ivoire, 2 sending off (one from each team) and 5 goals. What more can you ask for in a match….

I am happy that this youthful and talented side managed to secure 3 points and go back home with their head high. With some more experience they could perform wanders if they make it to South Africa in 2010.

I have had a lot of fun blogging for Cote d’Ivoire even though I am a Nigerian and I like to thank you all that came by this blog.

I hope you all enjoy the rest of the World cup tournament and may the best team win.

Cote d’Ivoire will be without their main talisman Didier Drogba as he is suspended for the game, however I expect the fringe players such as Bakari Kone, Aruna Kone to put in a good performance and put some pride back into Cote d’Ivoire football.

This will be Henri Michel’s last game in charge so he will be fired up like the rest of the squad to win this game and bow out in style.

I expect a close game and Cote d’Ivoire to put in a good performance.

Cote d’Ivoire (probable) – Tizie, Eboue, K Toure, Boka, Meite, Zokora, G Toure, Akale, Romaric, A Kone, B Kone.

Even though they have been knocked out of the competition after slim losses to Argentina and Holland, the youthful Ivorian side who have won many admirers by their brand of football will be looking to win the game against Serbia and Montenegro.

Both teams have no points yet so they will both be up for the game tomorrow.

Coach Michel, the much travelled Cote d’Ivoire manager is to step down from his post after the World Cup.

After the Elephants two losses in group C against Argentina and Holland, the Frenchman has admitted his contract is unlikely to be extended and the match against Serbia and Montenegro is likely to be his last in charge.

Coach Michel has done an excellent job with the Ivorian team and I congratulate him on that. He took the country to the final of the African Cup of Nations and helped them qualify for its first World Cup.

And whoever takes over the reins will inherit a talented group of players. I just hope the Cote d’Ivoire federation make the right choice.

Two early goals from Robin Van Persie and Ruud Van Nilsterooy stunned the Ivorians.

Bakary Kone fired home a spectacular shot from the edge of the penalty area after a driving individual run to pull one back.

The second half was not as thrilling but the Ivorians continued to dominate the match but failed to be clinical in the final third and that proved decisive in the end.

So the Elephants World Cup adventure is over as they have no points from two games. Holland and Argentina go through.

It has been a great adventure for the Ivorians and I believe the young team will learn from the experience.

As the Cote d’Ivoire blogger I am sooooooooo gutted…