Two striking powerhouses in the Group of Death will meet Sunday night in Johannesburg's Soccer City Stadium. Brazil had a tough time cracking Group G's least experienced team (2-1, North Korea) and now will face Ivory Coast, who battled Portugal to a 0-0 draw in the first round.
Ivory Coast were the better team on Tuesday night's opener against Portugal, although both teams had many opportunities. The best chance came from a long-range shot by Cristiano Ronaldo, but Les Elephants dominated the attack throughout. Brazil predictably had a majority of possession against North Korea, but looked frustrated until the 55' when Maicon broke the deadlock. Korean striker Yun Nam-Ji got one back in the 89' and had Brazil on the back heel for the final minutes.
The Selecao, although favorites to win this tournament, will have a tough time breaking through a stout Ivory Coast defense. Les Elephants proved they have a strong and motivated team last week and are likely to get something from this match.
Group G: Brazil vs. Ivory Coast
Date: 20 June, 2010 - 20:30 CET
Stadium: Soccer City Stadium - Johannesburg
Referee: Stephane Lannoy (France)
Brazil:
Keeper: Júlio César
Defenders: Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Michel Bastos,
Midfielders: Gilberto Silvo, Kaka, Felipe Melo, Elano
Forwards: Robinho, Luis Fabiano
Manager: Dunga
Injured: -
Booked: -
Ivory Coast:
Goalkeeper: Boubacar Barry
Defenders: Kolo Toure, Guy Demel, Didier Zokora, Siaka Tiene
Midfielders: Emmanuel Eboue, Yaya Toure, Salomon Kalou, Ismael Toti
Forwards: Didier Drogba, Gervinho
Manager: Sven-Goran Eriksson
Injured: -
Booked: -
Ivory Coast will have the distinct advantage of having the fans behind them as they are one of the few African teams in the tournament. Weather is expected to be sunny and around 14 degrees. French Referee Stephane Lannoy was appointed on Friday after his team oversaw the Group E match between Netherlands and Denmark.
Last meeting: These teams have not previously met.
Wins Brazil: 0
Wins Ivory Coast: 0
Draws: 0
Ivory Coast were convincing against Portugal whereas Brazil struggled against North Korea. The Selecao have a chance to secure a spot in the knockout stages with a win here and Les Elephants will seriously increase their chances if they get anything. Odds for Ivory Coast +1 are higher than one would expect, so take advantage of this.
The best odds to this game you find at
Betfair,
Tipico and
Bet365.
