We could blame this early on exit on cruel fate. Just as in 2006, the Ivory Coast got pitted in a group of death vs. perennial contender Brazil and European power Portugal. However, Portugal struggled to qualify for the tournmanet under Quieroz and still faces the perpetual “million wingers zero forwards” dilemma. And North Korea is, well, North Korea. So I don’t assign too much weight to this analysis.

The Drogba injury was very unfortunate. He was one of the truly world class players on the team and a reliable goalscorer. While he did bag a goal against Brazil, his lack of physicality was apparent for all to see. Normally one to abuse defenders and dive when possible, Drogba disappeared for extended periods. Would the ‘Coast have beaten Portugal with a fit Didier? We will never know.

We could blame the man in charge, Eriksson. However, his cautious approach has been his hallmark. England played a plodding and packed midfielder under his reign, so the ‘Coast football federation knew what they were buying. His team also displayed far superior spacing and organization compared to the “run and gun and fun” play during the African Cup of Nations. Boring? Yes. Predictable? Horribly so. But consistent and reliable.

Ultimately, the question of psychology and risk rears its ugly head. Should the ‘Coast have attacked Portugal with more fervor in the first game? The nervous draw ensured that the ‘Coast would survive another day, but this miscalculation overlooked a simple fact – Brazil and Portugal would probably both beat North Korea and thus have a strong incentive to draw their last game.

Still, such hindsight in inevitably 50-50. In most World Cups, a win-draw-loss is enough to get through, but not today, not with the goal difference and Portugal’s two draws. The ‘Coast probably bids farewell to Drogba, Dindane, and Kolo Toure, but the future still looks bright: Gervinho is a star in the making, while Kalou is a good player in the waiting.

It’s been a pleasure blogging here, and you can catch regular and more eccentric posts at Futfanatico

Now, the reality. We must win and hope Portugal loses to an already qualified Brazil. There are 9 goals to be made up. This is mathematically unlikely, but realistically next to impossible. Barring a four goal first half against North Korea, my hopes shall not be lifted. Granted, a 2-0 Brazil win over Portugal seems possible. But a 7-0 demolition of North Korea from our toothless attack seems too much to ask.

I obviously can’t fault Sven for a tentative first game vs. Portugal – the draw did guarantee the Coast’s survival after the Brazil match. However, given the riches of attacking talent, a more positive approach in both games could maybe have reaped some rewards. After all, Aruna Dindan did come off a strong season at Portsmouth. Is a two striker formation too much to ask? Could Gervinho and Kalou have ran rampant as wingers? We’ll never know.

Still, this group was a group of death and the Drogba injury played a role on the pitch and on the psyche. Against North Korea, the ‘Coast must still play with dedication and pride. To take four points from this group may mean little in this tournament, but South Africa showed that a respectable exit with your head held high is priceless.

GO COAST!

First, this is not a reliable location for dry play-by-play commentary. If you are searching for a television viewing substitute, I suggest you go elsewhere. Think of this as more of a supplement, like a decent drug somewhat better than weed but not quite of LCD proportions.

Second, please do not comment profanities in all caps. Have the common sense and decency to use italics.

Third, the beautiful game trumps all partisan concerns. I am the Ivory Coast blogger, but above all I want to see these two sides play attractive and attacking football. Given that Dung and Eriksson are coaches, that is unlikely. But we can dream, can’t we?

Fourth, we are one hour away, so get ready to…

Pregame
Drogba is starting in place of Dindane, but the rest of the lineup remains the same from the Portugal draw. Barry in goal, a backline of Demel, K. Toure, Zokora, Tiene, a midfield trio of Y. Toure, Eboue, Tiote, and Gervinho and Kalou will be wingers that play off Drogba.

This is a pretty positive lineup, although Eriksson deserves credit for the improved defensive shape of the ‘Coast. In the African Cup of Nations, the Elephants often looked lost when not in possession, with the wingers staying wide and not backtracking diligently. However, under Sven’s reign, the ‘Coast looks much stronger in the center of the park.

As for Brazil, they will start with the usual attacking quartet of Elano-Kaka-Robinho and Luis Fabiano up top. The Gervinho-Maicon matchup should be mouthwatering….

The First Half

The 7th Minute The nerves, the vuvuzelas, the neeeeerves. Brazil saw a lot of the ball early on, but Lucio and Juan and Gilberto passed circles towards nowhere. The Coast absorbed pressure early on, but slowly get to see more of the ball. Kaka, feeling charitable, has been giving the Elephants lots of free passes. How kind. No clear chances yet.

The 14th Minute Kaka continues his trouble with trapping simple passes while the Brazilian runs through Lucio. Which is to say, he dribbles forwards, passes to Maicon, and Maicon then passes to Kaka who gets dispossessed. For his part, Kalou has stuck to Maicon pretty closely. Eboue gets some spring in his step and is taken down by Gilberto, but Drogba’s shot/cross is horrendous.

The 19th Minute Lucio carefully blows a stray feather off Drogba’s shoulder and he falls like a sack of bags. Lucio complains like a…..

Eboue whips in a dangerous ball, but Kalou fouls Cesar so it comes to naught. Robinho has a bit of magic at the other end, but the ref has really allowed physical play so far.

The 24th Minute GOAL for Brazil. Quick, incisive close quarter passing by Kaka, Elano, and Fabiano creates a chance out of nothing. Fabiano finds himself in a tight angle, but unleashes a cannon over the keeper’s shoulder. A golazo to be sure, but it also means for the ‘Coast….

The 35th Minute - Brazil is dominating possession. The ‘Coast has dropped back too far and would make a turtle look aggressive. Meanwhile, Brazil is happy to pass the ball between Gilberto, Felipe Melo, and Lucio. Gilberto has tried to switch the fields a few times, but Bastos never seems to time his runs right. Exciting. Not…

The 42nd minute - the ‘Coast finally sees a bit of the ball, but is forced wide by the Brazilian defenders. The crosses and shots from distance fail to seriously trouble Julio Cesar, who graduated from the “not English thus competent” academy of ball grabbing.

Halftime – Brazil leads 1-0. Given the fact that both these teams are coached by Dunga and Eriksson, we should have expected this. Neither Gervinho nor Robinho has had space to breathe, let alone dribble, in the first half. The first 45 minutes were punctuated by a Brazil indifferent to attack with numbers, searching for switch passes to Bastos on the left hand side. Meanwhile, the ‘Coast was bereft of ideas and unwilling to pressure the Brazilians up the field. Kalou has done a great job marking Maicon, but you get the feeling the ‘Coast will have to advance lines if they are going to score…

In sum, a painful half of football. Let’s hope the second is superior…

Will the Ivory Coast wake up from their slumber? Could a second forward, like Dindane, add a spark? One thing is certain – the ‘Coast needs to get….

The Second Half

47th Minute – A Correction. Gervinho apparently has an arm ailment and did not start the game. However, for our viewing delight, he is now getting warmed up. We need you Gervy!

The 50th Minute - GOLAZO by Fabiano. . The Brazilian forward does two sombreros (self chip passes) over defenders and sends a low rocket that deflects of the keeper and flies into the net. Impressive, to say the least. Can the ‘Coast respond?

The 55th Minute – Drogba with a far post header, the Coast’s first good chance, but watches it fly agonizingly wide. However, Dindane comes off for Gervinho, so let’s hope for some fireworks…

The 65th Minute - the game slowly starts to open. First, Kalou and Gervinho work a nice one-two, but Kalou’s pass is a bit long. At the other end, Robinho plays in Maicon, who crosses for Kaka, Kaka dummies for Robinho who then plays in Kaka. However, Kaka’s shot is right at the keeper. A minute later, Kaka rampages down the left and squares for the fleet footed Elano who slots home to the far post. GOAL by Brazil. 3-0

The 66th Minute – Elano goes to ground for a tackle but gets the worst of it and is taken off on a stretcher. Dunga immediately subs on Dani Alves to take his place. Hope Elano is okay, even though he has kinda destroyed us so far this game.

The 75th Minute - Eriksson takes off the unimpressive Eboue and tosses on Romaric, who rifles a pildriver from distance that Cesar can’t hold onto. However, neither Drogba nor Kalou follows the rebound and the danger dissipates. Brazil continues their patient passing game, eventually finding Alves in space but his shot is tame and straight at the keeper. Yaaaaaaaaawn.

The 80th Minute - Gervinho dribbles the entire pitch by himself after a Brazil cornerkick, but a desperate Lucio tackle snuffs out the danger. Still, Gervinho gets the ball back, plays back to Toure, who crosses to Drogba that heads home! GOAL by the ‘Coast (with hints of offside)

The 85th Minute - the Ivory Coast is walking the line, getting in some late tackles and really struggling to keep their focus. One more goal and they are even with North Korea on goal differential, stay positive……

Further embarrassment – Kaka nudges Keita with his elbow and Keita drops to the ground like he’s been shot. The ref is swindled, though, shows Kaka a second yellow, and Kaka gets sent off. Ugghh. From ugly to cynical ugly. And the worst part is that the Coast would benefit from Kaka playing the next match against Portugal!

Full Time - The Coast had one last chance when Keita latched onto a cross and played the ball back for Drogba, but Cesar got his fingertip to the pass and saved Brazil a sure goal.

So the ‘Coast loses and you have to give lots of credit to Brazil. Luis Fabiano was ruthless in front of net, finishing his only two clear chances of the game. Kaka also got involved in the game, despite a late (and unjust) sending off. Still, the ‘Coast still has a point from the first game and a winnable match vs. North Korea. So I guess.

The theme? Read on…

Well, let me begin by boldly asserting that Brazil is the best team from South America and the Ivory Coast is the best team from Africa. Brazil has the most World Cup titles, while the Ivory Coast, despite a single African Cup of Nations title, has what I refer to as “mad style points.” What is the topic for these king of kings?

No, not Jesus. Rather, I draw from American pop culture, from a time when a white man swaying his hips sent women of all colors fainting and panting. I am equally inspired by the hip swivels of one Gervinho….

But also that miscreant of misfits, Robinho.

Thus, in order to pay homage to these hip-swiveling young geniuses, I rely upon the original hip swiveler, the one, the only…..

THE KING

Join us Sunday for a liveblog unlike any other…

First off, Didier Drogba made an appearance, which is a plus. He looked to struggle for fitness, but showed no signs of his arm ailment. He also got on the end of an exquisite slide rule pass in injury time, but frustratingly opted to square instead of shooting. He even had a few joking words for Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese skied his free kick high. What did they talk about? The art of diving? How to stay off your feet under no pressure? How to simulate earthquake movements in the event of an emergency non-earthquake? Probably.

But the important thing is Didier still has a role for play for the ‘Coast, even if it is supersub.

And speaking of super, let’s all kneel before the almighty Gervinho. While the lanky 23 year old was a bit hesitant to shoot in the 18 yard box, his silky moves, step overs, and stop-starts left Carvahlo and Ferreira in heaps all over the pitch. The young striker dazzled the eye and is a strong candidate for young player of the tournament.

Also, let’s give begrudgingly give credit to Eriksson. At the African Cup of Nations, the ‘Coast ran on pure talent, and when it encountered a disciplined Algerian side, it faltered. The attacking 4-3-3 expanded into nothingness, as the forward and wingers failed to play defense and keep their shape. In the game against Portugal, the ‘Coast looked supremely organized on both defense and offense. While I would like to see Kalou and Gervinho exploit their speed and dribbling a bit more, the build-up play in midfield was composed and pleasing on the eye.

My men of the match were Zokora and Yaya Toure. Every time the crafty Portuguese players started to work up steam, these Ivorians landed a ferocious tackle or timely intervention. In sum, these two men owned the halfway line and bossed the center of the park. Their defensive positioning and tenacity makes for a mouth watering match up against Gilberto and Felipe Melo.

So, in sum, at this time last World Cup the Coast were demoralized. This time, they earned a deserved point and, even if they lose to Brazil, should still have a shot at qualification on the last day against North Korea. And if it comes down to goal difference, and Drogba is well, I would not count the ‘Coast out.

GO ‘COAST!

The first key to the game will be Didier Drogba. Will he be fit? Will he bit 90 minutes fit? Will he be able to use his strength to fend off the Portuguese defenders? And if not, can Aruna Dindane come in and continue his blistering form for Portsmouth? Don’t forget – Aruna scored both goals in the ‘Coast’s sole win last World Cup against Serbia.

The second key will be Yaya Toure vs. Deco. Both players had below par club seasons, eventually relegated to the bench. Still, Deco’s incisive passing and Yaya’s tackling will be at odds as the two central midfielders square off. I believe that Deco can probably get the better of Yaya for a half, but over 90 minutes give the advantage to Toure who at least started the season at Barcelona as a starter.

The third key will be the right side of the Ivory Coast’s midfield and defense. How will they cope with Cristiano Ronaldo? Emmanuel Eboue is quick, strong, and infinitely familiar with the Portuguese from their Arsenal-United confrontations of yesteryear. Eboue would thus be a strong option at the right hand side to deal with CR9.

Overall, both managers have taken talented attacking sides and turned them into plodding teams that starve for goals. The Ivory Coast could only muster goals off setpieces in the warm up games, and Portugal was held to a draw at home by the Cape Verde. Expect a nervous and tense game, where the difference will probably a single moment of craft by a winger such as Simao or Kalou.

Go Coast!

The first option is for Drogba to just cut off the rest of his arm with a lightsaber and “get on with it.” He could then replace the entire extremity with a synthetic limb that may actually improve his grip.

The downside is that his reputation for a diver will only get worse if he has to yell “nooooooooooo” and fall down a gigantic chute in Cloud City. And I’m not sure lightsaber technology has caught up with twenty first century demands, although I do know a lot of people who have had similar, slightly less invasive laser surgery on their eyes.

The second option is for Drogba to come clean and admit that, rather than being a not-so-mild mannered human professional footballer, he is in fact a cyberborg sent back in time to kill John O’Connor. However, he has, like, a decade to do it, so he figured he’d kill some time playing professional football and living the good life. Wouldn’t you?

If Drogba is ready to make that leap and come clean with his fans, then the solution is quite simple. He merely needs to stick his broken arm into a molten lava until only the super strong titanium skeleton remains. That should also make it harder for defenders to tug on his arm, although conversely, if he tugs on somebody’s shirt it will probably burn or tear a hole.

The last option is also the most difficult to fathom. Drogba could ask Commissioner Gordon to use the batsignal to summon Batman, and then ask him for a spare batglove. Now, I know what you’re thinking – Bruce Wayne is a millionaire, surely he could spare Drogba the glove for a month.

But Batman has no assurances that Drogba is not affiliated with the Joker, Riddler, Catwoman, or the Penguin. Sure, he did stop a civil war, but in such prolonged strife black and white fade to gray and moral judgment becomes suspect. So, basically, I think this is the least practical of the options.

Unfortunately, ESPN reports that Drogba took off training to see a doctor. We hope he’s fit for the first game against Portugal.