Cote d'Ivoire

Ivory Coast enter their second World Cup campaign as Africa's strongest representatives, but unfortunately for Les Elephants they have once again been handed an unenviable task. 

Within their ranks however are a hosts of Premier League and La Liga stars, all of whom contributed to the teams smooth qualification for the tournament and many of whom have have won medals at club level, so Brazil and Portugal shouldn't represent such daunting opposition. 

One of those stars is Didier Drogba, who looks set to miss the showpiece event after fracturing his elbow in a friendly with Japan this morning (June 4th). The national icon is the undisputed king of the team and his presence is needed not only for scoring goals but as motivation and inspiration for others.  

Despite the quality of the Ivory Coast team, continental success has been hard to come by. The Nations cup has only been won once, in 1992, and despite being favourites for the last two installments, the Elephants failed spectacularly, losing 4-1 to Egypt in the 2008 semi and 3-2 to Algeria in this years quarter finals.

Sven Goran Eriksson, the once lauded but now maligned Swede, has been placed in charge for the summer. The former England manager is believed to be earning $2 million for his minimum five game stint in the dug-out, but whether he can make any real impact in such a short space is yet to be seen. The Swede will no doubt try to install some organisation and discipline, but that is not the African way, especially when superstar players are involved or in such a short space of time.   

WORLD CUP HISTORY

The country's one and only foray into World Cup football came in Germany four years ago. Group with Argentina, the Netherlands and Serbia and Montenegro, it was billed as the group of death. Two 2-1 defeats ended the Ivorian dream but a 3-2 win over Serbia in the final game brought some redemption.

SCHEDULE- Group G

Portugal           June 15th- Port Elizabeth

Brazil               June 20th- Johannesburg

Korea DPR     June 25th- Nelspruit

This years group is no more favourable than last time. Their first two games, just as in 2006, are against two footballing giants, and failure to get anything from either of those will result in another early exit.

While Brazil will be favourites, Portugal will realise they are in a battle with the African team for second place, and a potential clash with Spain. There is nothing to fear from Portugal, as their results and form have recently been unimpressive, especially since Carlos Queiroz took over from Luis Felipe Scolari.

If Ivory Coast can show confidence in themselves and become the sum of their parts, then they may upset the established order

KEY PLAYERS

The Chelsea goal machine, Drogba, is a handful for anyone when he's in the mood and his 44 goals from 67 internationals is an impressive tally. Their ambitions will be much harder to achieve without him, but the mantle will now need to be taken up by Salomon Kalou, Aroune Dindane or Lille's 22 year old striker Gervinho.

The brothers Toure, Kolo and Yaya, will form the team's spine, with the older playing in central defence and the younger, Yaya, dictating the play from midfield. The Barcelona midfielder will be expected to make more surging, dynamic runs than he does for his club

Didier Zokora has been revitalised in Spain with Sevilla in the last year since his move from Tottenham. With Zakora sitting in from of the back four, Yaya Toure will have more time to roam.

ONE TO WATCH- Boubacar Barry

The Ivorian goalkeeper is an erratic performer but is capable of some acrobatic saves.

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

With escaping the group stage a realistic possibility, even without Drogba, a meeting with Spain should await in the next round, which may spell the end of the line, or even extend the fairy tale.  

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

In Germany, the Elephants exited early but were heroic in defeat. Another early elimination, no matter how admirable the scorelines or performances are, will not be well received. A lot of money has been invested in Eriksson to deliver and losing to both of the big guns will be a disappointment.

PREDICTION

The second game, against Portugal, should be the groups defining moment. Victory in Johannesburg would cement second place, but defeat or even a draw may end their adventure. It is too close to call.