Match 13: Cote d'Ivoire x Portugal Post-Match Thread

Ivory Coast came out of the match looking better than Portugal. They deserved at least one point, which they got, and probably all 3 points.

By the standards of this tournament, this was one of the better matches played. Considering it was a goalless match, without that many clear cut chances on either side, that says a lot more about how this tournament has been played so far than this game in particular.

 

Portugal does not seem to believe in themselves very much.

 

Only with prompting from his color commentator. At least 3 times he didn't.

 

Ah, fair enough =/.

 

This is true. There is a good chance that had Drogba been able to go 90 he would have found a goal. That may have made a difference here.

I don't get why ppl doubted that CIV had the quality to match Portugal on the pitch. You look at the names at the back with Eboue and Toure, in the middle with Toure and Zakora, Gervinho on the wings and Kalou; they're a very balanced team. So it's pretty much wide open now between the two but if Brazil has an off game against one of them it may tip the balance. Whoever can perhaps take a point off of Brazil may go through. 4 pts may not be enough.

 

Well, to be fair, in weather South Africa is more like Central Europe (including the altitude) than it is like the rest of Sub-saharan Africa.

That's why European colonists could settle there in large numbers, too.

 

Well, to be honest I not surprised that game ended with a tie. Portugal almost didnt make it to the world cup and it shows why. Personally, I still believe that the manager is a idiot and really doesnt understand what to do with the team. CR was his normal self when playing with the national team and in the end, we're kinda of lucky to get out with a draw. I'am sorry to say but for me, brasil and civ will go next stage and we're coming home.

 

I believe Ian Darke also "gave away" the result of Brazil Vs. North Korea by accident - 3-0.

Portugal's peformance against the Ivory Coast was sub-par in my opinion. They could have walked away with all three points of they wanted. Today's performance against the Ivory Coast shows me why I never approved of Queiroz as our National Coach. I'm sure Jorge Jesus, or any other Portuguese Coach for that matter, could have done slightly better than Queiroz at this stage.

 

Exactly! Portugal was losing to many balls ind the midfield. CIV has great players in several positions but it lacks creativity when it comes to atacking. Despite this last effort from CIV at the end, i think a draw is a fair result.

But, honestly, i'm disapointed with our team, since they weren't capable of doing what used to be portuguese's strength, wich is playing well through the middle and launching our wingers. If we manage somehow to pass this group, we will definitely be eliminated by Spain, unless a miracle happens.

 

I though both teams were disappointing, the Côte d'Ivoire shaded it, but both teams looked fairly happy to play for a draw, with Drogba available from the start they'd probably have won.

Which is fine by me, as I'm keen to see Christiano 'oops I fell over, having not been touched' Ronaldo on a flight home as soon as possible.

 

There were no goals! No goals! Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo and no goals! It's like taking a beautiful woman to dinner and having it end with her saying "Thanks for the meal, but I have to get home to my boyfriend." I don't care if that was a great salmon dish, that evening would be a disappointment.

 

Portugal has the advantage of playing Brazil last, when they may already be qualified.

 

Portugal's passing, especially in the offensive half, was atrocious. Rather than trying 30+ yard through balls, why not do the "feijao com arroz" -- stop missing simple short passes. Despite this they had, by far, the more dangerous chances.

For all Ivory Coast's strength, pace and possession, their finishing was horrible. And what about giving up without even taking a corner that would have been the game's last play?

I hope the selecao crushes both.

 

This.

Because of the man down, it was 30 seconds after stoppage should have ended. The ref might have given them time to cross it into the box, but not to play a ball in like that. Then again, perhaps CIV didn't want the heartbreak of playing in a cross for a goal only for the final whistle to blow in the middle of the play.

 

Just remember that at this point Brazil and Spain are the heavy favorites because neither of them have played.

So far, the only impressive team has been Germany, and that because Pim decided to try a wild experiment at the last minute --to play without forwards!

Otherwise, if you like action movies and matches with goals and fine attack that is better than the defending, you're likely to hate what's been shown so far.

This cup is not going to do much for increasing the world wide appeal of football (as if it needed increasing...). Old fans can find a lot to rescue from the many 0-0 draws to come, though.

 

I didn't doubt of CIV's value. What i didn't expect were so many passes failed in the midfield by Portugal. It was terrible as Redshift said.

 

To be fair, Drogba barely played. This would have been a different game with Drogba in for 90.

 

Yes, he could of come out injured.

 

Oh, come on! Did you really expect Drogba to work his magic, even with his injured arm?

 

WTF... the last play of the game, you have a corner.. and you don't even try!!! WTF

 

This is true. You would hope that Brazil would bring their A-game in that last one, but I doubt it. Plus they're friendly with Portugal with several Brazilians on that side. CIV need to take a point or win. Brazil may be the best, but even the best can fall. It may take some doing, but if CIV is to make a run, then taking the match to a side like Brazil is a must.

 

How could Drogba miss that last chancee? Was it supposed to be a pass? Why nobody ran into that open space? Why not take the last corner into the box?
Both Khalou and Gervinho were having a great game, why sub them out?

Overall very impressed with Ivory Coast. This looks like a team that will gain more confidence and could go far. Portugal may end up as the loser in this group.

 

This is also true. I suppose I can't fault Erikkson for waiting to put him in.

 

My friend from Portugal is not happy the way Portugal played. I would not be too.
Ivory Coast played better than their FIFA ranking.

What is not to like with Ivory Coast's 'Oranje' kits.
This group is now even more interesting.