The first match of group of death, between two nations of superbly gifted players was expected to be great. The teams having some of the best players in the world, Ronaldo and Drogba(who unfortunately was at the bench because of injury), and others like Deco, who was noticed with the Champions league win with Porto, Danny, Tourre brothers, Salomon Kalou, Meireles, Simao and Carvalho were evenly matched. The team of Ivory Coast was the best bet from African nations and they had many players who earned their living in premier leagues of France, Italy, Spain and England.
The game started with Portuguese flourish on the Ivory coast goal, when in 10th minute Ronaldo, turned and shot a downward curling right footer into the right post, only to find the bar denying him and his country glory. The face of Drogba was wrought with tension and prayed profusely to the Man above. I wished to see him play, and hope that is answered soon. Captain Tourre understood the danger and suddenly Ronaldo was finding it hard to break free. A stumble in near the 30 yard by Ronaldo in expectation of a free kick was spotted by referee. He gave the advantage to Ivory coast, and the skirmish between Demel and Ronaldo earned both of them their yellow cards. This was fine refereeing where game was not stopped for silly reasons, while the integrity of the game still sustained. Deco came up with a brilliant pass to Danny who couldn't utilize his pace to put this ball inside the net. Aside that, first half saw a brilliant team work by Ivory Coast, with nice touche passing by Dindan, Ya Ya, Kalou and the rest of the team. The match was so beautifully poised at the end of half time, that the commentator was saying that a single goal will decide the match. I think a goal will make both the teams snap out of their defensive play and bring out the best. Maybe then both of them will play for a win. Anything can happen in the second half. And the referee blows the whistle to start the second half.
Cote D'Ivoire continued their form from first half and made Portuguese defense worried. After fifteen minutes of play the side bench saw Didier Drogba warming up, making the heart of everyone happy in the stands. The man who was in the form was Ya Ya Tourre, who along with Dindan and Givernho made many runs towards the Portuguese post. The first substitution was made by Portugal when Simao came in for Danny. Simao was to make good contribution, when the tide of the game turned for Portugal. Deco was also substituted and Portugal suddenly started to worry a confused Ivory Coast. The most admired player in the world cup from Africa came from the bench at the 60th minute of play. There was a rousing reception for the jewel of Africa – Drogba. A placard said it all – Drogba: make Africa proud. Feel it, the time is here. Kalou Tourre was commanding the defense and team magnificently, denying Portuguese each time. A cramp towards the end made him strain himself, but still managed to hang in there to keep his team in the game. The game showed strength of character in both teams, as they fought viciously for the ball, elbowed and struck each others foot, but still managed to put their arms around each other. The most wonderful moment of the match was when Didier Drogba with arms around Christiano Ronaldo, shared a lighter moment. A foul on Ronaldo in the final minutes of play saw a freekick given for Portugal. Everyone expected a brilliant one from the best dead ball expert in the world today, but Ronaldo couldn't dip it in and the ball soared above the top bar.
When the normal time ran out, the Elephants suddenly woke up and made the most of the additional three minutes by making Portuguese sweat. Drogba had a good chance, when Keita, who came in a sub gave a good pass, in the penalty box. The chance was driven wild by a weak shot, which unfortunately didn't find any orange shirt to drive it in.
The good thing about the match was the great refereeing by Uruguayan referee, Jorge Larrionda. Though he is always criticized for being anti Portuguese, I thought he did good keeping the cards in check and letting the game go on. There has been couple of tackles which, as per rules, will draw a straight yellow, but even then was allowed to play on. The good thing was actually that referee was able to control the match, without any major scuffles and bad tackles even without giving yellow cards. That is good for game. Otherwise, if you don't give card and also allow bad tackles to get players injured, that means you are not fit for being there with the whistle.
In the end, it was perfect start for Group of Death, and both teams relieved before their match against Brazil. Now waiting for my team to get on to the field, and dance!!
Cot D'Ivoire 0 - Portugal 0
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