Christiano Ronaldo all set to face Drogba’s Ivory Coast
Christiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba are all set to steer their teams in a key and enthralling Group G encounter. This battle could eventually decide the fate of either team in this World Cup. With giants Brazil in the group, either of this team would hope to get nothing less than victory from this bout.
Portugal and Ivory Coast will be looking for their star players for needed inspiration. Two of the world’s best players will be on pitch in Port Elizabeth, when Portugal and Ivory Coast collide with each other. Both sides is hoping to get a perfect start as both teams looks to avoid a forecasted last 16 clash with European Champion Spain. And this can only be achieved if they finish top of the group.
Both teams come to the World Cup plagued by the injuries. Portugal manager Carlos Quiroz lost a key player in form of Nani just before the World Cup. Quiroz, who also spent some time with Nani at Old Trafford, was hoping to full utilize the midfielder in the World Cup as ace winger had great last season with Manchester United. Despite, Nani’s injury, Quiroz will have a pool of talented and exciting player. On the other hand, Ivory Coast’s star striker looked sure to miss the World Cup when he broke his arm in a warm-up match against Japan but made miraculous and speedy recovery after undergoing surgery. Ivory Coast coach Sven-Goran Eriksson will be relying on Drogba to lead his team to victory. Talking about Drogba, Eriksson said, “He is feeling better and better each day.” Eriksson’s personal record against Portugal is not impressive as he lost against them with England in quarter-finals of 2004 Euro Championship and 2008 World Cup. And therefore would be hoping that Drogba is 100% fit before their opener. The decision regarding Drogba will be decided just before the kickoff. Drogba presence was missed greatly when Ivory Coast played their match against Switzerland in World Cup warm up match.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo is excited to face his old arch-enemy in a World Cup match. Ronaldo played against Drogba for quite some time in English Premier League. Talking about Drogba, Ronaldo said, “We know all about Drogba, he is a great player. But we can’t get preoccupied by him. We must concentrate on our team, our tactics and our ambitious. That’s the only way to win.” Ronaldo’s team mate Simao is hopeful that Portugal could easily finish top of the table if they get their tactics and strategy spot on despite the fact they are in group which also hosts five-time World Champion Brazil. “It will be difficult if Portugal face Spain in the last 16 because they are the European Champion. Portugal has some of the best players in Europe with a lot ambition and its very united and strong team. It’s always to start the World Cup in the best way with a win,” 30 year-old Simao said. Portugal came to the World Cup overcoming Bosnia Herzegovina in a tricky playoff. But they were semi-finalist of the last World Cup. They eventually lost to Zidane led France in last four. But they defeated Eriksson’s England to reach semi-finals. And they will be hoping to repeat the feat when they meet his team in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.
Lastly, World Cup favourites Brazil will be initiating their campaign when they face North Korea at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg in second Group G match. Fans and pundit alike are expecting from South Americans to make an example out of minnows. Brazil is coached by their World Cup winning captain Dunga. Dunga as captain won the World Cup for Brazil in 1994 and was finalist in 1998. Under his reign as coach, Brazil topped South American qualifying group and won Confederation cup. So such expectations are anticipated. With critics labelling Group G as “Group of Death”, it will be interesting to see which team makes out of it alive.
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