Cote d'Ivoire 'near-flawless' in qualification

Thursday 28th January 2010

Expectations of the Cote d'Ivoire team could be high heading to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup finals. That is because, as FIFA reports, the nation managed an almost flawless qualification to reach the group stages. Now their route to World Cup glory is blocked by the obstacles of both Korean squads, along with the might of Brazil and Portugal. Korea Republic are up first, with a warm-up match against the South Korean side scheduled for early March. FIFA adds that the "double punch" of both Portugal and tournament second-favourites Brazil follows in the group stage of the World Cup finals. A final match against North Korea's national side, officially named Korea DPR, completes what could prove to be a knock-out combination for the Elephants. Gamblers ready to write off the Ivory Coast's hopes can still get odds of better than 1/1 on the Cote d'Ivoire team not to qualify. A smattering of online bookmakers are offering 11/10 - with the presence of long-shots Korea DPR potentially helping to boost the odds.