STUTTGART, 17 June 2006 — Ivory Coast came into their first World Cup rich in expectation and talent.
They have delivered on both fronts, but the “Group of Death” has chosen its victims. The Elephants are in the graveyard.
Another memorable encounter involving the African Nations Cup finalists, another 2-1 reverse, this against a Netherlands team who, like Argentina before them, have steered a safe passage through a perilous group to send a warning to the rest of the tournament. Ivory Coast have won only two points so far and will be on the way home after next Wednesday’s game with Serbia & Montenegro.
For the opening 30 minutes Henri Michel’s men were a pale imitation of the team that impressed in defeat against Argentina, and that tribute to the Netherlands’ industry was also the reason the Dutch had a comfortable lead by the time Ivory Coast had rediscovered their commitment to attack. The steely reserve that Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue brought to the Arsenal defense last season was conspicuously absent in the early stages and gave the Netherlands, with Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie a constant support to lone striker Ruud van Nistelrooy from the flanks, far too much unchallenged possession.
Their breakthrough in the 19th minute was forged at Highbury, with Toure responsible for conceding a dangerous free-kick 20 yards from goal with a reckless foul on Van Persie, who recovered to drive a fabulous set-piece into the top corner. Seven minutes later Marco van Basten’s team appeared on course for an outstanding victory when Robben produced a trademark run from the left wing, exchanging touches with Van Persie, and released Van Nistelrooy clear of a suspect offside trap.
The ostracized Manchester United man, who was criticized for his contribution against Serbia & Montenegro but looked supremely focused before kick-off, tucked an emphatic finish inside Jean-Jacques Tizie’s near post and was overcome with emotion as he celebrated in prayer by the corner flag.
Ivory Coast had offered nothing in response, aside from a theatrical tumble inside the area from Eboue when he brushed across Barcelona’s Giovanni van Bronckhorst that went unpunished, unlike in the Champions’ League final, and Arouna Kone’s failure to convert Yaya Toure’s through ball. They seemed resigned to a disappointingly meek exit from the competition, an unwanted distinction for the supposed standard-bearers for Africa. Then Didier Zokora rattled Edwin van der Sar’s bar from 25 yards and belief returned. A contest of sizable expectations began to be realized.
Robben brought another Premiership touch to proceedings when he was booked for diving, although his run was clearly impeded by Arthur Boka as he entered the area. His Chelsea colleague Didier Drogba’s influence grew as the interval approached, the powerful striker receiving a yellow card that will keep him out of the final game for leaving a trailing leg on Van der Sar’s chest, heading over from eight yards and wasting a glorious chance to release Kona when his breakaway pass was intercepted by Van Bronckhorst. By then Ivory Coast had halved their deficit courtesy of an outstanding solo goal from Bakary Kone, who accelerated away from two orange shirts and guided a shot into the top corner from distance in the 37th minute.
