Match 29: Brazil x Cote d'Ivoire

A draw here would put the 3 main contenders (assuming Portugal wins against North Korea) in a funny situation.

 

I wonder if there isn't a little more hope in Ivory Coast after today's results. If the Swiss or Chileans top that group and Brazil wins this group, then the path is clear of what one would call very difficult teams until at least the semifinal and possibly beyond for whoever finishes second in Group G.

 

Yes, but the x-factor in the equation is how much Portugal or CIV has figured out by watching Brazil open against N. Korea. Remember that noone knew much about them. Now they do. If it comes to it will N. Korea be able to give the other two as much of a fight? Or has their element of surprise been broken?

 

Carlos Queiroz would not learn anything even if you drew him a detailed flow chart about what he needs to do against N.Korea.

 

ahahhahha I had to laugh...

 

To be fair, if someone could do that, then he wouldn't need to.

 

I will say this, going into the game I like Erikkson, but someone made a point that no team has won a World Cup with a foriegn manager. Perhaps African teams must go away from the European and South Americans and give African coaches a try. Play to our strengths. Granted, CIV has better defenders in Eboue and Toure than most African countries have in the past, we are still not comfortable in a defensive posture. CIV seems to have adapted to it the best of all of them and that's a credit to the calibre of player that they have, and they've been playing in Europe all of their lives. Who knows what's right. CIV and Ghana look to be our Obi Wans in this tourny.

 

If Ivory Coast ever lead Brazil in this match, expect the Rivaldo moments.

 

This is going to be Brazil's toughest match in the group. I expect CIV to go for a draw so that they can take their chances with KOR.

If Brazil score first it will be open and more goals will come. If CIV score first it will be a long drawn out "chess match"

Personally I don't have a good read on this Brazilian team yet. They trounced Portugal 6 - 2, struggled against USA & Egypt.

One thing is for sure, they do have the fighting spirit unlike the 2006, big name edition.

 

The best result I think for Portugal is a Brazil win but would love Portugal/IC going through. 'Realistically' the odds on for a IC win is lower than a draw or loss. IC would before the game I think will be happy with a draw (looking to beat N.K. just) and hope that Portugal lose against Brazil even if they beat N.K. which would mean Brazil/IC go through. Portugal/Brazil is going to be intense either way.

 

I agree Cote d'Ivoire would be happy with a draw. But if they get a draw in the Brazil match than they have almost no interest in the Portugal/Brazil match. Everything is in their own hands - if they win by two goals over North Korea they are through irrespective of what happens in the other game. Of course a Brazil or Portugal win would make life easier for Cote d'Ivoire, but all in all a draw means that Cote d'Ivoire's fate is in their own hands...

 

I am all for African teams to go through (South Africa are only mathematically in and Cameroon out with Nigeria not looking good, Ghana facing Germany and Algeria not in a good position.) A IC win with a POR win on Monday and IC/POR results on the last day would make my group.

 

Without Drogba health I can not see Ivory Coast winning or drawing in this match. While I have nothing against Brazil players or their team and Kaka is one of my favorite players I hope Brazil loses do to all of the front runners I see in the States with Brazil shirts. I can understand if you like a certain player who you have lived in Brazil or had realtives in Brazil or ancestors from Brazil or Portugal but most of the people I see with Brazil shirts on if you asked them about Brazil they probably would not know how large the country, some probably would not know who Pele is and probably think the main language is Spanish.

 

Not sure how the other African teams fit in to this thread. Am very drunk and haven't slept all night, so I'll keep it short: Nigeria are actually looking PRETTY good to advance. Most likely all they need is a win over South Korea. I would say they are actually in a better position than every African team except for Ghana.

 

You kind of remind me of Holland fans yesterday who thought they would run over Japan...SK will definitely put up a fight (I actually think they are favorites in the matchup.)

Can't wait for the CIV-Brasil match. I expect a draw and some entertaining football.

 

This should be a good game to watch. CIV to me, has been the best Africian team in this WC.

 

Some nightmare scenario to consider:

Both CIV & Por will benefit if they respectively tie with Barzil and try to beat KOR with a clean sheet. This could see Brazil out of the cup. Mathematically possible. And I suspect both countries would consider a tie with Brazil a good accomplishment.

 

Brasil show today they came to play, 3-0

 

Clear win for Brasil if Cote d'Ivore go full attacking pressing like they did against Portugal .

 

What do you mean?

A moment like this:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzZUoRQ9CFQ"]YouTube- Rivaldo-vs-Belgium-FirstGoal.mpg[/ame]

?

Please do explain.

 

My #2 favorite player ever after R9. Rivaldo was such a joy to watch.

 

Considering the records so far for African teams and South American teams, CdI must be feeling some pressure to represent big time for Africa.

They're going to come out firing on all cylinders. A half-asleep Brazil could lose this one.