World Cup 2010 Blog: “Ivory Coast World Cup Team Profile” plus 9 more

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• Ivory Coast World Cup Team Profile
• This Is Why World Cup Previews Shouldn’t Come Out Early
• Zahia Dehar’s Letter to France Coach Raymond Domenech
• The Great Maradona Circus Begins
• 10 Things To Do in The Month Before World Cup 2010 Kick Off
• Daily Dose: From England To May 11th, 2010.
• 2010 World Cup Jerseys: Ivory Coast.
• World Cup Preliminary Squads Announced Today
• ESPN Fans The Giuseppe Rossi Flame
• The Art of the Playmaker: Xavi

Ivory Coast World Cup Team Profile Posted: 12 May 2010 01:10 AM PDT Well here they are, Africa’s great hope. Widely billed as the continent’s most gifted, deepest team, if any country is to do the unthinkable and bring Africa its first trophy, the good money has been on Cote d’Ivoire, who sometimes moonlight as the Ivory Coast. And if that unthinkable does ultimately come, the miracles won’t end at geographical location – their coach will have to do so with precisely zero official games running the team before the tournament (and only two friendlies scheduled). But that coach is Sven-Goran Eriksson, who’s coached a few other games in his career, so while he may have to ask just who is that big guy with Drogba spilled across the back, he won’t be a complete virgin going in – that much is well-documented. They’ll also have to do it coming out of what some call this year’s Group O’Death, a trial by fire which might just serve to spur them on into the later rounds. Or see the whole thing go kerplunk from the outset. Nickname: Les Elephants FIFA World Ranking as of April 28th 2010: 27th Group X Matches: 15 June 2010, 4p Ivory Coast v. Portugal (Group G) in Port Elizabeth 20 June 2010, 8:30p Brazil v. Ivory Coast (Group G) in Johannesburg 25 June 2010, 4p North Korea v. Ivory Coast (Group G) in Nelspruit Kit: The Ivorian orange full with angry elephant. More on the Ivory Coast kit here. Coach: Sven-Goran Eriksson. The world knows who he is and with good reason – his early career included trophy after trophy. Of late, however, he’s been something of a disaster, negotiating a new contract while still under contract in England before the ‘06 WC, spending one rather uneventful year at Man City B.O.M. (Before Oil Money), doing his damndest to run Mexico into the ground before being canned to national applause within a year and then signing on to direct a fourth tier English club with “big money backers” when they actually didn’t. So while the old Sven has the CV to get it done, all recent Sven has going for him is a puppet doppelganger which spent five minutes a week taking abuse from the puppet likeness of Jose Mourinho. And now he has to make his official debut as the Ivory Coast coach in South Africa under criticisms of a disproportionately “heavy” paycheck. The man refuses to do anything quietly. Key Players: The man, the myth, the legend Didier Drogba is the best striker in the world when he’s hot – well and truly unstoppable. His Chelsea frontline teammate Salomon Kalou is quite good himself even if he tried and failed to play for the Netherlands in ‘06 (long forgotten). It’s difficult to imagine what Sven will do with only one friendly before the tournament, but Seydou Doumbia has been making European waves and scoring goals aplenty in Switzerland with Arouna Dindane still hanging around. Wingers Kader Keita and Gervinho are awfully skilled and awfully quick too, meaning they’re likely to play a big enough part. The midfield is very strong with the Spanish-based duo of the all legs Yaya Toure and Didier Zokora, who’s never seen anything he didn’t want to tackle. Also in the mix will be Cheik Tiote, Romaric and Gilles Yapi Yapo. And perhaps where the Ivory Coast’s quality and depth shines through is in the back, where there’s no let down. So many African teams have a weak spot, but they do seem to be a proper team with Kolo Toure, Sol Bamba, Arthur Boka and Emmanuel Eboue, with Guy Demel filling in the holes. The only real weakness is the Ivory Coast’s man between the sticks, old hand Boubacar Barry. Player with best YouTube video: Didier Drogba’s good at football. Player with best name: Gilles Yapi Yapo. Say Yapi Yapi five times really fast. Player with best nickname: Gervinho. He’s not Brazilian, and yet it’s perfectly accepted as his “name”. That’s when you know you’re good. Julio Baptista can’t even get a Brazilian nickname and he’s Brazilian. Qualification: A bit of growing pains in the first group, but they laid waste to the field in the second, and more difficult, group: 5-1-0, 19, 4, +15. Interesting: They hold a record which will require some work to keep up: as it stands they are the only World Cup team ever to have scored in every game in which they have participated. Granted it’s only three, but that’s just details. National Anthem: L’Abidjanaise (Song of Abidjan) World Cup History: Expectations: Were the tournament not being held in Africa, expectations might be tempered a bit after their disappointing showing at the African Cup of Nations. However, it is in Africa and as Africa’s best team they’ll be expected to perform in a tournament which can feel as belonging to the whole continent rather than solely South Africa. Therefore a war for second with Portugal – most expect Brazil to take the group – is a start which hopefully enable them to spread their wings in the knockouts. In fact that match against Portugal, the first in the group, may just decide their fate. Squad: Ivory Coast World Cup squad. Blog: Elliot stimulates the masses at the Ivory Coast WCB. - More World Cup 2010 Team Profiles.

This Is Why World Cup Previews Shouldn’t Come Out Early Posted: 12 May 2010 12:00 AM PDT That there on the right is Alexandre Pato. This here is Brazil’s World Cup roster, sans surprises. No Pato.

Zahia Dehar’s Letter to France Coach Raymond Domenech Posted: 11 May 2010 09:10 PM PDT Rather odd story in France today, with Zahia Dehar – the call-girl (is that the right term?) in the middle of the Franck Ribery, Sidney Govou, Hatem Ben Arfa, Karim Benzema under-age sex scandal – apparently standing up for said players by writing a letter to Raymond Domenech last week, in which she encouraged the France coach to presume the players innocent until proven guilty and also to not let the scandal affect his World Cup 2010 squad selection. Assuming this is all true (I’m not 100% sure, but seems the French media are taking it seriously) it was weekly news magazine L’Express that broke the story today, by publishing a copy of the letter they’d obtained, seemingly with Zehar’s consent. See the letter for yourself below: And in English, via Google Translate version of the original article: ” Sir, I learn from the press that the publication of the statements I made to the police who called me and questioned might result from putting away some players from the France team football. I am amazed as saddened. How could I have imagined? While I have always hidden my age does not deter my partners, that their good faith could one day be challenged? I accept fully my behavior. I told the police and I have said publicly. At no time did I claimed or implied that I had been the victim of these people even if I had to admit the reality of relations I spoke with some of them because transcripts of wiretaps that had the investigators. I do not want only to those whose indiscretions have allowed this case are laid out in the press, so it should remain secret, and have operated my image without permission, forcing me out of anonymity to deal with gossip that have been posted or broadcast by the newspapers. I ask that you respect what the judges, lawyers, called the “presumption of innocence” and take no account at the time of your choice, what has happened between some of our players and I . Please accept Excellency of my highest consideration “ It’s a noble gesture from the (now) 18 year old, but one that also suggests she doesn’t follow French football all that closely. Because if she did, she’d know that Domenech only takes squad selection comes from the alignment of the stars. Zing. In the end Domenech named Ribery, Govou and Ben Arfa to his provisional 30 man World Cup squad today. Karim Benzema was the only player implicated in the scandal to be excluded from the squad, and even Benzema’s absence is better explained by his poor form for Real Madrid than by any of the allegations. The exclusion of Samir Nasri on the other hand, remains a complete mystery. >> Supporting Les Bleus in the World Cup? Put on your France jersey, get your France World Cup tickets, and get to the stadium! If you’re watching from home, keep up to date with France World Cup Blog, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook

The Great Maradona Circus Begins Posted: 11 May 2010 07:56 PM PDT “Ten days ago I completed six years without taking drugs and today I value everything I have,” Maradona said in an interview on Sunday night. The folks at the Argentinian FA may still want to question this with a pee test after the developments Tuesday night. Diego Maradona announced his World Cup squad last night, quite late, but forgot a couple of things. Like Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso. Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Diego Pozo (Colon) Defenders: Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (Olympique Marseille), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Juan Manuel Insaurralde (Newell’s Old Boys), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Ariel Garce (Colon) Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Sebastian Blanco (Lanus), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Jesus Datolo (Olympiacos), Jose Sosa (Estudiantes), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina), Juan Mercier (Argentinos Juniors), Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), Javier Pastore (Palermo) Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli). Ten players based in Argentina, which is presumably 20 less than Diego wanted to take. Cambiasso wasn’t quite a surprise as Maradona still hasn’t called him up, for some odd reason, despite being one of the best central mids in the world. However, the snub on Javier Zanetti is exceptional (again) – even if he also has been missing games. In fact it’s a team full of rather extraordinary snubs, even if to take all those worthy from Argentina they’d need to commandeer another team and play as Argentina II. (North Korea?) Almost as though he’s trying too hard to be Dunga. Still, if you’d like a quick glimpse as to the type of confidence this list inspires, take a look at the comments at the Argentina WCB. Some highlights: “who da fuck is sebastian blanco”, “knowing Maradona im suprised Messi made the team”, “who on earth is Juan Manuel Insaurralde” and “how many daughters does maradona have? mabye Insaurralde knocked up his other daughter“. So rather optimistic in other words.

10 Things To Do in The Month Before World Cup 2010 Kick Off Posted: 11 May 2010 05:47 PM PDT Lost in all the excitement of various coaches announcing their provisional 30 man World Cup 2010 squads today, is the fact that it’s May 11th. Which means it’s just one month until June 11th. Which means it’s just one month until World Cup 2010 kick off. Which means you have roughly one lunar cycle to prepare yourself for the big event. Here is a list of 10 things you need to do in that month before the World Cup begins. 1. Book some time off work. Or plan some fake illnesses. You go to work nearly every day, but the World Cup comes around once every four years. Don’t miss it. 2. Learn all the World Cup team nicknames. Because when someone mentions Les Fennecs, you should know who and what they’re talking about. 3. Upgrade your TV package and watch the World Cup in high def. Because you don’t want to have to squint to read players names. Also, if you’re in the USA, Spain or South Korea, and have some serious disposal income, then get yourself a 3-D TV and some silly glasses. 4. Get optimistic. The month before the World Cup is the time to start dreaming about success. The time to start convincing yourself that actually, yeah, your team could go all the way. Two months from now your team could be lifting the World Cup trophy. 5. Buy a World Cup jersey to support your team. You know you want one. Stop fighting it. 6. Pick a second team to support. Because despite #4 on this list, there’s a decent chance your team will get knocked out at some point. If you need help choosing then read Rob’s post: Reasons to Love and Hate All the Teams in South Africa. 7. Study up on the 32 teams by reading our team profiles and team World Cup histories. Not too shabby, if I do say so myself. 8. Prepare some frozen meals. The World Cup will take over your life, but you still need to eat between June 11th and July 11th. Alternatively, stock up on takeaway menus and attach them to your fridge door. 9. Print out our World Cup 2010 Wall Chart and attach it to your fridge with magnets. That way you can check the schedule while picking out a frozen meal. Or browsing your takeaway menus. 10. Buy some World Cup tickets. Because it’s never too late to head out to South Africa. Until July 11th of course. Because two months from now it will all be over. Anything else you’ll be doing to prepare yourself in the month before World Cup 2010 begins? Please do share in the comments…

Daily Dose: From England To May 11th, 2010. Posted: 11 May 2010 04:44 PM PDT Carlsberg’s slightly patriotic English ad. The best year end celebration you’ll find. (Football Spotter) The Seattle Sounders actually care. (When Saturday Comes) And someone still cares about WAGs – why, no one knows. (Unprofessional Foul) The Premiership season now gone in brilliant white review. (Futfanatico) An eclectic gathering of shirts, this is. (Avoiding The Drop) Waiting for the World Cup. (Footballing World) Roy Hodgson is a master of many teams. (Nevermind the Bolsheviks)

2010 World Cup Jerseys: Ivory Coast. Posted: 11 May 2010 03:08 PM PDT We’re now entering the heart of the World Cup 2010 shirts. There are some fantastic shirts out there from adidas and Nike, no doubt, but Puma’s Africa line has been on another plane in recent years. Most importantly, their use of the ‘mascot’ shadowed inside the shirt has been brilliant, and it’s back again this year – no points for guessing which animal the Ivorians have. In fact, not much about the home shirt, the shirt which will be predominantly used, is too different from ‘06. It’s orange, it’s simple, and there’s a giant elephant on it. This can’t possibly be a bad thing. Want one? Grab the Ivory Coast World Cup home shirt at our store. The orange is obviously a clear symbol of the Ivory Coast, but in a number of images, including the one below of Kader Keita, I’ve seen a number which appear far more gold – or washed out – than the brilliant vibrant orange we’re used to. Perhaps one needs to sweat enough to deserve to wear the actual orange? That’d be genius. Then, of course, there is the elephant. That wonderful little elephant screaming over the right shoulder, as if spurring them on. This is by far the most identifiable feature of the Puma kit and undoubtedly its best, if you ask me. In the back there’s what appears to be an almost hexagonal pattern which I suspect is merely one of those Magic Eye posters, which shall reveal after several weeks of focus a second giant elephant on the back. Well probably not, but someone at Puma should clearly be writing this down. Want one? Grab the Ivory Coast World Cup away shirt at our store. This one appears like it was just plucked off the rack at Abercrombie & Fitch. That’s not my bag, but it’s not quite bad, even if the droop in the back makes you think they’d wear an evening gown if not for those pesky names and numbers required by FIFA. At least you can’t say no one dresses for the theater anymore, even if that theater involves mud and sweaty men and Sepp Blatter. What’s undoubtedly nice is that the lines aren’t perfect, but almost rough and raw – much like African football.

World Cup Preliminary Squads Announced Today Posted: 11 May 2010 10:13 AM PDT Midnight tonight Central European Time is the deadline for World Cup teams to submit their preliminary 30 man World Cup rosters. From there they’ll have to cut the squads down to 23 by June 1st. So if you’re not in the 30, you’re not in the 23. Which means today is the day it all starts to take shape. Selected news items so far are that Francesco Totti, Luca Toni and Alessandro Nesta have all been left out of the 30 man Italy squad. Brazil coach Dunga cut to the chase and named his 23 with no Ronaldinho, no Roberto Carlos, no Ronaldo, no Adriano, no Neymar and no Alexandre Pato. He’ll name an additional seven later today, but it seems Dunga already knows who he wants to take. England coach Fabio Capello didn’t spring too many surprises, but did include internationally retired defender Jamie Carragher. You can get a good look at the coaches decisions on our World Cup 2010 squad page, which we’ll be updating throughout the day. Also, please feel free to post any news and reactions in the comments here.

ESPN Fans The Giuseppe Rossi Flame Posted: 11 May 2010 09:26 AM PDT Last week we linked to a nice article on Giuseppe Rossi, the American-born Italian forward, thinking that’s all it was: a nice article. It would appear it had evolved something beyond that this week, as Giuseppe was plastered across sneakily hidden behind an American ball, billed as “America’s best hope” on the front page of ESPN the Magazine, a move which has caused the reaction ESPN wanted from American and Italian fans. The problem is it’s wholly unnecessary and does disservice to the man who posed for the photo, Giuseppe. There are few more controversial figures in the paper trail of international football than Giuseppe Rossi, largely because he chose the country of his blood, for whom he is very good, over the country of his birth, for whom he would’ve been one of the best players and yes, “the hope”. Americans don’t particularly like it, and you can understand why. Which is why the public doesn’t really need this visual reminder to hate Giuseppe Rossi again, particularly when most will see the cover bypassing a newstand without reading the words behind. He is by all accounts a very decent kid who just wants to kick a ball around; nothing he did was malicious or with the intent to bury America – not unless you count the power with which he hit those goals at the Confederations Cup. He doesn’t want the hate, and doesn’t really need it. Today he made the Italian provisional thirty, and he will likely being going to the World Cup as the backup to Antonio Di Natale after a tumultuous year which saw his father, the man who enabled him to become “American-born”, passed away. He deserves that. He doesn’t really deserve for a publication as big as ESPN, one which could sell the alphabet, to drum up unnecessary controversy and vitriol on the cover when they could’ve simply presented us Giuseppe Rossi, the Italian-American, as they did inside.

The Art of the Playmaker: Xavi Posted: 11 May 2010 07:10 AM PDT |Part of our series A Casual Guide to World Cup 2010|

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