Ivory Coast: The Ivorians have emerged as one of the strongest of the African nations in the past decade and with Liverpool’s Kolo Toure, his brother Yaya and Didier Drogba being the star names in European football, there is a lot of experience and quality in the Ivory Coast squad.
Yet, while the African nations are always strong, there is a tendency to under-perform on the biggest stage and unless the likes of the Toure’s, Drogba, Gervinho and Bony can replicate their club form their may be an early exit in the offing.
Not only this, but Ivory Coast have only played against 3 non-African nations since the end of 2012, meaning their experience against the teams they’re likely to play over the next couple of weeks will be extremely limited.
If those player mentioned can perform then expect great things from perhaps the strongest nation from the African continent, otherwise they may struggle past a great Japan side and a very talented Colombia.
Prediction: Knocked out at group stage
