Cote d'Ivoire - Guide to Cote d'Ivoire in World Cup

In 2006, seven new nations will take part in the soccer's World Cup competition.  When it comes to raw talent, many soccer fans agree Cote D'Ivoire, a World Cup first timer, is one of the most talented teams around.  The Elephants made it into the World Cup finals by beating out Cameroon and Egypt for the top spot in their World Cup group.

Soccer fans enjoy watching the Elephants play live.  2006 marks the first time in eight consecutive attempts that the team has made it to the World Cup finals.  Fans attribute victories in the qualifying rounds to the exceptional play of Didier Drogba.  During the playoffs, he scored an astounding nine goals. Other outstanding players include Ibrahima Bakayako, Arouna Kone, and Kolo Toure.

The team enters the World Cup competition with a ranking of 41.  Of all the African teams in the World Cup, Cote d'Ivoire is considered by many to be the very best.  Henri Michel, the former manager and captain of the French team, manages the Elephants. 

The 2006 World Cup matches take place in 12 different cities in Germany.  Thirty-two different teams will compete for the ultimate title in the world of professional soccer. Other African teams to take part in the World Cup include Angola, Ghana, Togo, and Tunisia.  Many experts predict the Cote d'Ivoire team will perform quite well, some even predict a final eight performance for the 2006 event.