Ivory Coast v. Portugal: Recap, Ruminations…

June 15th, 2010 | by: Elliott | View Comments

This, my friends, was as tightfisted a game as one can see. Both sides feared pushing numbers forward, with the result that clear cut chances failed to materialize. Still, with this gaping desert of defense as a backdrop, a few oasis of attacking prowess could be spotted, hazily fading into and out of view like a mirage. Still, a few thoughts

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!