Ivory Coast...are they still people's World Cup sleeper?

Algeria 3 - Ivory Coast 2...so the Elephants crash out of the African Cup of Nations. Interesting. For a side that some have deemed the best chance for an African nation to advance far in this summer's world cup, this set back is an eye opener. Watching the high lights it appears that the Achilles heal for Drogba and his teammates is the defense of lack of defense.



Look at the last two Algerian goals...free headers in the 18 yard box!! That will not get you very far in any tournament. Ivory Coast looks scary on paper - Drogba, Gervinho, Kalou, and Keita all bring bags of offensive fire power. The midfield anchored by Yaya Toure and Zokora have some metal, however the back line is suspect. Eboue is shaky, Kolo Toure is not the player from his Arsenal days...and if this last game against Algeria is any indication they do not defend very well as a unit. How can you allow a free header in stoppage time when you are ahead 2-1??? And then how can you allow 4 Algerian players go unmarked in the box to win the game? Watch the last goal, there are 2 defenders for 4 attackers...um ok. What will happen against Portugal and Brazil if you defend like that??

The Ivory Coast have very high hopes for success at the World Cup, do they have enough time to fix the apparent defensive deficiencies before then? Were they drawn into an easier group I might think they could get through the group stages and fix the problem as they progress. However they open with Portugal and then face Brazil...might be a short visit to South Africa.