The Ivory Coast could potentially be second round opponents for England should England finish second and Ivory Coast top of their group. They are currently ranked first among African nations and 21st overall in the FIFA rankings and have qualified for three successive World Cups.
The Ivory Coast have failed to progress beyond the group stage in their previous two World Cup appearances but have a great chance to end that run in Brazil being arguably the strongest nation in their group.
The Elephants as they are known had their greatest achievement to date in 1992 when they won the Africa Cup of Nations and have since been runners-up in 2006 and 2012. With familiar Premier League talent such as Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure, Cheick Tiote and Wilfried Bony the quality is clear. A captain by the name of Didier Drogba will lead the team and you can see them getting out of their relatively weak group without too much trouble.
Recent results since 2012 suggests a decent run of form with only two defeats in the Africa Cup of Nations to Nigeria and a friendly against Mexico as well as a creditable 2-2 draw against the much fancied Belgium.
They have two more friendly matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and El Salvador before facing Japan in their opening World Cup match on June 14th. They will then play Colombia on the 19th and then Greece on the 24th in the group stage. They are currently managed by the Frenchman Sabri Lamouchi.
Source: DSG
