The Ivory Coast failed to qualify for the World Cup between 1974 and 2002; however, in both 2006 and 2010 the team reached the Group Stage. This is a slightly disappointing statistic for the team which is currently ranked first by FIFA among African nations. Recent years have also seen disappointing results in the African Cup of Nations; the team could only manage the quarter-finals in 2013.
Style
The team tend to play in either 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation. They tend to keep to ball in the middle of the field and rarely make use of the wings. Many of the team’s players were trained in France and as such there are some fantastic technicians who, when on form, can play some excellent football.
Strengths
The Ivory Coast has proven time and again that they can score. During qualifying the team scored in every game with a quarter of their goals coming in the first 15 minutes of a game. Furthermore, they were one of just seven teams to regularly manage to come back from behind.
This can be attributed to the fact that the team has some quality players including Seydou Doumbia, Wilfried Bony and Lacina Traore.
Weaknesses
The team’s defence has a tendency to slack off in the later stages of a game. Almost half of the goals conceded in qualifying came in the final quarter of an hour of games. The team is also poor at attacking from the wings and taking advantage of corners.
Overall the Ivory Coast has developed a reputation for underwhelming and, despite possessing the raw talent, the team rarely lives up to expectations.
World Cup Group Stage
- Ivory Coast vs Japan – Sunday, 15 June 2014, Match Preview
- Colombia vs. Ivory Coast – Thursday, 19 June 2014 Match Preview
- Greece vs Ivory Coast – Tuesday, 24 June 2014, Match Preview
