Argentina Wary of the Stampeding "Elephants" of Ivory Coast
June 10, 2006
The African nations cup finalist has nothing to lose on its first ever appearance in the finals and the Argentine players have been wary about the "Elephants" in their rare public appearances over the past week.
"Ivory Coast is a strong opponent physically with good quality players," said midfielder Javier Mascherano. "We're not underestimating them."
The Brazil-based player promised a "tough struggle" for control of the midfield.
Coach Jose Pekerman appears to have successfully sown together a squad brimming with individual talent, correcting one of the flaws that afflicted the Argentineans in 2002.
Captain Juan Pablo Sorin described the squad as a band of "23 brothers." Roma defender Leandro Cufre said: "We're really motivated and looking forward to the first match. We're stifling the anxiety with a great group."
But the 1978 and 1986 World Cup winners know that their first match is crucial for a revival in "Albiceleste" fortunes.
"We have to pass the first round to make plans for the World Cup," Sorin said. "And passing the first round means not losing a match... so as not to repeat what happened in 2002.
High hopes tempered by nightmare of 2002
"There's a lot of hope, a lot of expectation, but the target is clear, it's the first match," said the Villareal player, who experienced the disappointment of Argentina's worst World Cup performance for 40 years at first hand.
Defeats in friendlies against England and Croatia in recent months revived fears that the team could struggle in the toughest of the first round groups. And memories linger of the 1990 opening match where the defending world champions were beaten 1-0 by another African side Cameroon -- though they did go onto the final.
Sorin signaled this week that complacency was not an issue, highlighting Ivory Coast's skill and strength.
"Our style is not so physically gifted. It's going to be a great duel where we must impose our game," the Villarreal player said.
Injury doubts still surround 19-year-old Barcelona striker Lionel Messi, who has been tipped by World Cup organizer Franz Beckenbauer as the likely star of the tournament and hailed by Diego Maradona as his successor.
With Chelsea's Hernan Crespo, Inter's Julio Cruz and Javier Saviola at hand, as well as attacking midfielder Juan Riquelme, Pekerman is more likely to ease his inexperienced young prodigy into the game from the bench than in the starting line-up.
African hopefuls look to expose Argentina's insecurity
Spearheaded by Chelsea's prolific striker Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast's team is made up almost uniquely of players from European leagues, steadied by former France stalwart Henri Michel, one of the most experienced World Cup coaches.
Michel is adamant that one of Africa's surprise qualifiers has the means to respond in kind to Argentina's penetrating strike force.
"We know the importance of the first match in a World Cup, especially against Argentina," Michel said. "Often the result determines the behavior of the teams for the rest of the tournament. I'm confident about their ability, now it's a question of seeing how they react to the event.
"I hope anyway they that they'll overcome the feeling of what a World Cup debut represents... and that the team will recover the full range of their ability, which can rival anyone else's," added the 57-year-old, who guided France to the 1986 World Cup semi-finals and the Olympic side to the 1984 title.
Ivorians look to heal nation with good cup performance
Much as Argentina carried the hopes of a nation gripped by economic collapse four years ago, the West Africans are standard bearers for a country gripped by internal strife.
"We think that every time we get together is the chance to show Ivorians that they can get on," said striker Bonaventure Kalou.
Defender Kolo Toure said his team would not underestimate their opponents.
"We all know how dangerous Argentina are," he said. "It will be a great test for us. (Roberto) Ayala is a hero of mine."
Ivory Coast may expose the recently fit central defender Gabriel Heinze, out of the game for most of last season with a knee ligament injury, by employing right back Emmanuel Eboue as a wing-back capable of causing havoc down the flanks. Eboue loves to make attacking runs that will put pressure on Sorin and Heinze and will be looking to provide ammunition for captain Didier Drogba.
Probable teams:
Argentina (4-4-2):
1-Roberto Abbondanzieri; 21-Nicolas Burdisso, 2-Roberto Ayala, 6-Gabriel Heinze, 3-Juan Pablo Sorin; 18-Maxi Rodriguez, 8-Javier Mascherano, 5-Esteban Cambiasso, 10-Juan Roman Riquelme; 7-Javier Saviola, 9-Hernan Crespo
Coach: Jose Pekerman
Ivory Coast (4-4-2):
1-Jean-Jacques Tizie; 21-Emmanuel Eboue, 4-Kolo Toure, 6-Blaise Kouassi, 2-Arthur Boka; 7-Emerse Fae, 19-Yaya Toure, 5-Didier Zokora, 3-Kanga Akale; 9-Arouna Kone, 11-Didier Drogba