Portugal and Ivory Coast draw in Group G

Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal vs Ivory Coast game in Group G

Portugal and Ivory Coast played to a 0-0 draw in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup Group G, with the prudent Portuguese “Selecção” revealing many difficulties against a strong Ivory Coast squad and falling short of the fans expectations.

Brazil’s two main rivals in Group G, showed more fear of losing than ambition and determination to win, especially in the first half.

As one of the most anticipated games, fans were disappointed, since both teams had the potential for much more and better. Portugal was expected to be patient when in attack, but the truth is that they had more work in defense, finding a lot of trouble in creating imbalances in the front.

Sven-Goran Erikson’s Ivory Coast has proven to be a strong opponent, with powerfully built players blessed with great technique, allowing them to frequently scare the Portuguese team and hold the ball in their possession.

In his World Cup debut, Coach Carlos Queiroz had bet on the usual 4×3x3 system with a new “left wing” combination of Danny and Fábio Coentrão, who took over from the usual owners of these positions; Simão and Duda, respectively.

For the Ivory Coast, Erikson also had his team play in a similar model, with the notable absence of Didier Drogba, recovering from a broken right arm.

When two teams show too much respect for each other, the game ends up suffering. In the first half most of the game was fought in the middle, lacking emotion and spectacle.

Portugal only created one dangerous play after a potent shot by Cristiano Ronaldo from 30 meters hit the right post at 11 minutes, but after that he was neutralized with some very tight marking by the “Elephants”.

Initially, the Ivory Coast started the game defensively but slowly began moving forward with shots at goal by Siaka Tiene (14 minutes), Ishmael Tiote (17 minutes).

Portugal’s players ran more miles, but could not hold the ball, or approach the Ivory Coast area. The teams were just too rigid and did not permit any spaces.

The second half started with the Ivory Coast appearing more dangerous with Gervinho (47 minutes) forcing Portugal keeper Eduardo to a good save. A little later Tiote was unable to head for goal from a corner kick. Gervinho once again scared the Portuguese defense on two occasions, but without success.

Portugal also started playing faster and becoming more daring especially after Simão Sabrosa substituted Danny at 55 minutes and Tiago took over from Deco (62 m), but it was the entry of Drogba (66 m) in place of fellow Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou, that made the noise of the vuvuzelas reach new heights in Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

With the rain beginning to fall, the game improved with Portugal making  more incursions into the Ivorian area but still had problems to create danger, with some inconsequential shots from Raul Meireles (71 and 78 minutes) and a “Tomahawk” free kick from Cristiano Ronaldo (80).

Carlos Queiroz put rookie Ruben Amorim in place of a limping Raul Meireles and managed to whether the last couple of minutes of intense pressure from the “Elephants”, especially when Drogba appeared in position to score but did the unthinkable by kicking to the side.

Cristiano Ronaldo the Portugal captain was named “Man of the match”.

After the game coach Carlos Queiroz was critical of FIFA’s decision to bend its eligibility rules, allowing Drogba to play because of the “cultural significance” of a player that is hugely popular in Africa.

Didier Drogba was ruled eligible only shortly before kickoff by the ref. He played the last 25 minutes with a protective device on his arm which could not be seen as he came into the game with a long sleeved shirt, while all his team mates used short sleeves.

In the interview Queiroz said; “The FIFA delegates decided that the referee’s decision is final. This was a bit odd as far as we were concerned because there are rules and regulations that say, for example, that players cannot play with a string bracelet or a plaster”, adding “I would like to know that all the rules are the same for everybody.”

In the other Group G game, Brazil beat North Korea 2-1 with goals by Maicon and Elano by Brazil and Ji Yum Nam for N Korea.

See Video highlights of the Portugal – Ivory Coast (0-0) game;