Sunday, June 20, 2010

Brazil vs Ivory Coast Preview and Live Score: World Cup Football 2010

Keeping an eye on a place in the last 16, Brazil heads into tonight’s (20 June) Group G showdown with Ivory Coast. The Selecaos know that 3 points from the match would cement their place in the next round, while the West Africans would be inspired with captain Didier Drogba returning to starting eleven. The match will be held at the Soccer City in Johannesburg.

Live Score

To get the live score of this seemingly exciting encounter, visit the following link:

http://www.goalzz.com/main.aspx?wc=h

Brazil started off their World Cup campaign with a tepid 2-1 victory over North Korea who are considered to be the weakest side in the group. With Portugal being the other member, ‘Group of Death’ tag was attached to Group G before the commencement of the tournament.

Brazil’s performance, devoid of their beautiful football, looked shaky at times against the Asians. With Kaka struggling to get his form back, Brazil’s attack appeared toothless and the Samba Kings required a ‘miracle’ goal from defender Maicon in the second half to open scoring against North Korea. It was a matter of utter shame that the Brazilians were restricted from scoring in the first half by a group of players who hardly have any experience of top-level club football.

On the back of a dismal goalless draw with Portugal, Ivory Coast would be looking to win 3 points from the match in what would strengthen their chances of qualifying for the second round. Striker Didier Drogba was brought on as a second half substitute in their opening fixture, but this time the Chelsea star is ready to start with a protective substance on his arm.

While Drogba’s return to first eleven could elevate the performance level of Ivory Coast, it poses huge threat for the five-time champion Brazil whose defense got exposed on a number of times against North Korea. It seems that Drogba is not the lone threat for Brazil, rather the Elephants have the some other talented players like Kolo Toure, Yaya Toure, Salomon Kalou and Emmanuel Eboue.

Brazil coach Dunga would most probably retain his first eleven that faced North Korea. The defense would feature Lucio, Juan, Maicon and Michel Bastos, while its midfield has two defensive minded players in Felipe Melo and Gilverto Silva. Creative midfielder Kaka would operate through the middle with Robinho and Elano being deployed on the left and right wings respectively. Luis Fabiano would play up front as the lone striker.

Dunga would now look to get Kaka back to his top form ahead of the match in what would boost up the confidence level of the Brazilians. Ivory Coast played little defensively against Portugal, but now they know they have enough firepower in attack in the presence of Drogba.

Brazil Starting XI

Julio César, Lucio, Juan, Maicon, Michel Bastos, Gilberto Silva, Michael Bastos, Elano, Kaka, Robinho, Luis Fabiano

Ivory Coast Starting XI

Boubacar Barry, Kolo Touré, Didier Zokora, Guy Demel, Siaka Tiéné, Yaya Toure, Emmanuel Eboué, Cheik Tioté, Gervinho, Salomon Kalou, Didier Drogba

Both Brazil and Ivory Coast need to lift their games and improve on the performances of their opening games. Overall, it is a showdown that has all the elements to be a highly entertaining affair.

1 comment:

  1. Seems as if my favourite team needs motivation. Gooooo Brazillll!!!! Yeahhh!!!

    ReplyDelete