Ivory Coast team guide

World Cup Spotlight: Ivory Coast

A one-stop guide to all you need to know about Ivory Coast ahead of the 2006 World Cup.

---

Fixtures (Group C):

v Argentina - 10 June, 2000 BST, Hamburg

Argentina team guide

v Holland - 16 June, 1700 BST, Stuttgart

Holland team guide

v Serbia & Montenegro - 21 June, 2000 BST, Munich

Serbia & Montenegro team guide

How did they get to Germany: They were helped in no small part by a last-minute penalty miss by Cameroon's Pierre Wome against Egypt which ensured Ivory Coast finished top of a group considered the toughest in African qualification.

Qualifying star: Wome apart, the value of the nine goals from Chelsea's Didier Drogba during qualifying proved priceless. His double against Egypt meant they could just about afford a slip-up against Cameroon in their penultimate match - which they did.

Manager: Henri Michel, the former France captain and coach, took over from Robert Nouzaret in March 2004, after his compatriot resigned.

Captain: Could be Drogba or Bonaventure Kalou or perhaps Cyrille Domoraud. All three led the team during qualifying, although there is the feeling Drogba will get the nod.

World Cup pedigree: This is the first time they have reached the finals in eight attempts.

Present star man: Kolo Toure. The experience gained as a regular in Arsenal's backline is proving invaluable at the heart of the Ivorians' defence.

Strengths: They have great balance in the team, with strength in attack and defence and a strong midfield axis in Yaya Toure and Didier Zokora.

Weaknesses: Lack of concentration. This was highlighted when they failed to prevent Cameroon grabbing the winner in the penultimate game in the group stages - a result that could have cost them a place in Germany.

Did you know? The Ivory Coast were African champions in 1992 after beating Ghana 11-10 on penalties in the final.

World ranking: 32

Odds: 50/1

Local view: "They have been called Africa's rising team for months and Ivorian fans seem to agree. They have a young and talented squad, led by Drogba, who has become a colossal star. Ivorians believe their team can do at least as well as Senegal, who got to the quarter-finals in 2002." James Copnall, BBC's West African football correspondent.

Our verdict: The best of the African teams and stand a good chance of reaching the last eight - if they can get out of their tough group.

Ranking and odds correct at 22 May. Odds supplied by William Hill.