Portugal, Ivory Coast set for key clash
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa, June 14 (AFP): Two of the world's finest footballers were set to grace the World Cup stage here Tuesday as Portugal open their campaign against top African hopes Ivory Coast.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba will be the inspirations for their sides as they look to sidestep a forecast last 16 clash with European champions and cup joint favourites Spain.
Drogba had initially looked sure to miss the game after breaking his arm in a warm-up against Japan on June 4.
The Chelsea striker underwent surgery and amazingly could still take part - he joined in a training session with his damaged arm in a sling last Friday.
Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is hopeful his walking wounded warrior will make it.
"He is feeling better and better each day," said the former England and Mexico boss who took over the Elephants after January's Africa Cup of Nations.
The Swede will leave a decision about Drogba's participation until just before kick-off.
Drogba's presence is vital. He was sorely missed when his teammates missed a host of chances in a warm-up against modest Swiss outfit Lausanne last Tuesday.
Ronaldo was refusing to get too excited about testing himself against one of the potential stars of this tournament.
"We know all about Drogba, he's a great player," the Real Madrid 'galactico' said Sunday.
"But we can't get preoccupied by him. We must concentrate on our team, our tactics and our ambitions. That's the only way to win."
Simao is hoping Portugal can top the table to avoid Spain, but that is a tall order with five-time champions Brazil, who take on minnows North Korea later Tuesday, lurking.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba will be the inspirations for their sides as they look to sidestep a forecast last 16 clash with European champions and cup joint favourites Spain.
Drogba had initially looked sure to miss the game after breaking his arm in a warm-up against Japan on June 4.
The Chelsea striker underwent surgery and amazingly could still take part - he joined in a training session with his damaged arm in a sling last Friday.
Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is hopeful his walking wounded warrior will make it.
"He is feeling better and better each day," said the former England and Mexico boss who took over the Elephants after January's Africa Cup of Nations.
The Swede will leave a decision about Drogba's participation until just before kick-off.
Drogba's presence is vital. He was sorely missed when his teammates missed a host of chances in a warm-up against modest Swiss outfit Lausanne last Tuesday.
Ronaldo was refusing to get too excited about testing himself against one of the potential stars of this tournament.
"We know all about Drogba, he's a great player," the Real Madrid 'galactico' said Sunday.
"But we can't get preoccupied by him. We must concentrate on our team, our tactics and our ambitions. That's the only way to win."
Simao is hoping Portugal can top the table to avoid Spain, but that is a tall order with five-time champions Brazil, who take on minnows North Korea later Tuesday, lurking.