Coach: Henri Michel
Tactics: Well organised and strong in attack.
Star Player: Didier Drogba - powerful Chelsea striker.
Verdict: Edged out Cameroon to qualify - an achievement which should alert opponents to their potential. Much depends on Drogba, whose finishing needs to be flawless as chances are likely to be at a premium. Strong side physically, they need to maintain their discipline in Germany. Not helped by a terrible draw.
Ten things you didn’t know about the Ivory Coast
1. According to the UN, average life expectancy on the Ivory Coast is just 45 for men and 47 for women.
2. The Ivory Coast is the world’s largest producer of cocoa. It produces more cocoa than England, Scotland and Finland combined.
3. ‘The Ivory Coast’ is also the name of an American indie band.
4. Baring your legs is considered offensive in the Ivory Coast but there is no problem whatsoever with women going topless if they so wish.
5. ‘Foutou’ is the name of a traditional Ivoirian delicacy. It consists of pounded cassava and plantain, served up with stewed jungle rats. Nice.
6. Traditional hunters in the north of the country are known as Dozos. Africans believe that a Dozo cannot be killed by a bullet or knife since his mystical powers prevent metal from entering his body. For this reason they are frequently hired to guard abandoned vehicles, to direct traffic or to patrol sensitive religious sites.
7. The very first Blue Peter expedition in 1973 was to the Ivory Coast.
8. One of the smallest banknotes ever produced was the Ivory Coast 0.10 Franc, issued in 1920. The 32mm x 46mm note was actually a postage stamp pasted on cardboard.
9. Rapper LL Cool J was given the title of Chief Kwasi Achi-brou by the village elders of Grand Bassan for his contribution in helping the establishment of a hospital in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
10. The flag of the Ivory Coast is a mirror image of the Irish flag.
