Preview & Prediction: Portugal Vs Ivory Coast

South Korea Vs Greece:

Most crucial game in group G (group of death). Loser may exit from group stage. It is unthinkable for both nations. Drogba’s recovery from injury boosted Ivory Coast chances while Nani injury reduced Portugal hopes.

Match timing: June 15 at 7:25 PM IST

Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay stadium, Port Elizabeth.

Key players:

Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Alves, Ricardo Carvalho and Pepe

Ivory Coast: Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue

Squad analysis:

Portugal: It qualified to world cup in last minute by defeating Bosnia in a playoff and struggled in warm-ups also. Despite having so many top class players, they struggled to play as a team just like France. Nani’s exit from world cup impacted their plans. It’s hopes are now on one man – Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ivory Coast: Drogba’s recovery and African support may help Ivory Coast. Absence of in-form Nani may took away some pressure. After losing to South Korea in a friendly, they drew with Paraguay. Ivory Coast is the strongest African team in the tournament. Only worry is these stars sometimes play poorly for country.

Final analysis: Just like Ghana, Ivory Coast may defeat Portugal under African conditions. Portugal is incosistent in qualifying and also in warm-up games. Both teams are looking strong in defence but Ivory Coast has edge in midfield. Ivory Coast has Drogba while Portugal has Cristiano Ronaldo. Ivory Coast has slight edge over Portugal. It is very dififcult to preidct winner.

World Cup game Prediction: Portugal 1 – Ivory Coast 2