What: FIFA 2010 World Cup
Who: Brazil vs Ivory Coast (Group G)
When: Sunday 20th June, 2010, at 19:30 UK Time
Where: Soccer City, Johannesburg, South Africa
Acting Like Five-time World Champions
Brazil absolutely dominated North Korea in terms of possession in their opening match, but didn’t really offer too much in the way of clear cut chances. The usual ability of the Selecao to break down defences with their swift passing and movement wasn’t evident against the Asian nation, showing signs that the Dunga’s side may not be at the level that is expected of five-time World Cup winners.
Although it would be foolish to think the Brazilian side are lacking in quality, their shortage of fluidity will undoubtedly leave their supporters anxious as to how they will perform against a solid Ivory Coast team. Labouring to 2-1 victory over a side that has not competed in the World Cup in 44 years will hardly serve as encouragement. Despite already having three points, Brazil will have to find their free-flowing attacking prowess once again in order to ensure that they escape the “group of death”, which includes Portugal too.
Performing Without Didier Drogba
Ivory Coast showed plenty of attacking know-how without their talismanic striker Didier Drogba for most of their opening match, but failed to finish off any chances. Although coach Sven-Goran Erikkson said after the match against Portugal, “that if one team was going to win it, it should have been us,” the Elephants could have few complaints about finishing the match with a 0-0 draw.
The African side have plenty of quality throughout their squad, and will likely be very solid at the back once more against a Brazilian team that will be intent on picking apart their defence. With Didier Drogba still a doubt to start, the Ivory Coast will have to work extra hard to try and not only create chances, but also finish their opportunities. With just one point so far, a defeat would be a disaster.
Recent form
Brazil:
Zimbabwe 0-3 Brazil (02/06; Friendly)
Tanzania 1-5 Brazil (07/06; Friendly)
Brazil 2-1 North Korea (15/06; World Cup – Group G)
Ivory Coast:
Paraguay 2-2 Ivory Coast (30/05; Friendly)
Japan 0-2 Ivory Coast (04/06; Friendly)
Ivory Coast 0-0 Portugal (15/06; World Cup – Group G)
Players to watch
Brazil – Robinho: The former Real Madrid forward looked lively against North Korea, creating chances at vital moments for his side. With Ivory Coast likely to be as solid as North Korea in defence, if not more, Brazil will need a moment of magic to find a way through the tough backline. With his pace and remarkable vision, Brazil will look to Robinho to find the necessary openings.
Ivory Coast – Kolo Toure: The Ivory Coast captain will have to be at the top his game when his side face Brazil. As a centre back, Kolo Toure will be expected to thwart theSelecao attack, and he will be crucial in stopping the likes of Luis Fabiano, Robinho and Kaka from running riot in front of the Africans’ goal.
Match prediction
With both sides unlikely to give anything away in the match, Ivory coast and Brazil will have an extreme challenge on their hands. Although the Selecao will be expected to perform better than in their opening game, the Ivorians’ defence will unlikely be giving anything away. The two side will cancel each other out in the match, resulting in a 0-0 draw.
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