Ivory Coast wins handsomely but bows out

Group G, 14:00 GMT, June 25, 2010
Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, South Africa



North Korea
0 - 3
Ivory Coast

Yaya Toure, Romaric and Salomon Kalou were on target as Ivory Coast's World Cup campaign ended with a hollow victory over North Korea.

Scoring Summary

North Korea	Ivory Coast
	Yaya Touré (14')
	Romaric (20')
	Salomon Kalou (82')

Match Stats

North Korea

Ivory Coast

8(4)	Shots (on Goal)	28(15)
13	Fouls	16
0	Corner Kicks	7
2	Offsides	4
39%	Time of Possession	61%
0	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
9	Saves	4

Match Information

Stadium:	Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, South Africa
Attendance:	34,763
Match Time:	14:00 GMT
Official(s):	Alberto Undiano Mallenco

Man of the Match: Romaric

MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Romaric - Very tidy in possession and positive when pushing forward, Romaric was industrious throughout the match and deservedly got on the scoresheet. An honourable mention for fellow goalscorer Yaya Toure, too.

North Korea verdict: The early promise of the opening match against Brazil now seems a distant memory. They were in serious danger of being swamped in the opening exchanges of this game, and could have suffered another drubbing, although they showed real character to improve in the second half.

Ivory Coast verdict: After an initial flurry of action during which they looked full of purpose, and eager to claw back the goal difference deficit on Portugal, they soon ran out of steam and belief. A disappointing campaign but the real damage was done in the earlier games.

Could do better: Jong Tae-Se - The 'People's Wayne Rooney' never really managed to deliver, and could not manage his promise of a goal a game. He should have finally got on the scoresheet in this game but wasted a fine chance in the second period.

Stat attack: In 107 previous World Cup matches, no African side has scored more than three goals in a single match.

North Korea vs Ivory Coast - Preview

North Korea
v
Ivory Coast


Group G, 14:00 GMT, June 25, 2010
Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, South Africa

Ivory Coast need something approaching a miracle if they are to prolong their participation at the World Cup. Sven-Goran Eriksson's side must beat North Korea, hope that Brazil do likewise to Portugal and enjoy a nine-goal swing if they are to snatch second place from the European side. However, a sliver of comfort comes in the fact that North Korea conceded seven in their last outing.

The Chollima's humbling at the hands of Portugal means they are out of the competition, but having had their embarrassment in Cape Town broadcast live to the North Korean nation - a rarity in the secluded state - they will be wary of bringing the country into further disrepute. A performance more in keeping with their 2-1 defeat to Brazil will be required.

Team Stat Comparison

	North Korea	Ivory Coast
Matches Played	2	2
Table Position	4	3
Points	0	1
Goal Difference	-8	-2
Goals for *	0.0	1.0
Goals against *	0.0	3.0
Last 5	L-L	L-D
Last 5 home		D
Last 5 away	L-L	L
*  Goals per match - home matches for home club and away matches for away club
Stats: North Korea | Ivory Coast

Competition Stats

	North Korea	Ivory Coast
Goals	Ji Yun-Nam 1	Didier Drogba 1
Assists
Yellows	Hong Yong-Jo 1	Didier Zokora 1
Squads: North Korea | Ivory Coast

Group Table

RK	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GS	GA	GD	Pts
1	Brazil	2	2	0	0	5	2	3	6
2	Portugal	2	1	1	0	7	0	7	4
3	Ivory Coast	2	0	1	1	1	3	-2	1
4	North Korea	2	0	0	2	1	9	-8	0

Top two teams qualify for the Second Round

North Korea player to watch: Cha Jong-Hyok. While North Korea's defence clearly crumbled as they conceded six in the second half against Portugal, the right-back has still been one of his country's standout performers in South Africa. Surging forward at every given opportunity, Cha boasts impressive stamina and no little skill. His service from a wide position is important for North Korea and he is not afraid of shooting from range. Cha is the very model of a modern full-back, including in his propensity to get caught out of position.

Ivory Coast player to watch: Gervinho. The forward was relegated to the bench for the defeat to Brazil but benefitted from a poor performance from Aruna Dindane and came on after 54 minutes. A threat from an advanced position on the wing, Gervinho can be relied upon to supply some trickery and that may be needed to unlock a five-man North Korea defence.

Key battle: Hong Jong-Jo v Yaya Toure. Hong is the only North Korean player to ply his trade in Europe, representing Russia's Rostov, and is a key member of a side designed to counter-attack. Though he can play as an advanced forward, his best position sees him drop in behind lone striker Jong Tae-Se and that should put him firmly on Toure's radar. The Barcelona midfielder is a bullish presence in the holding role and will look to restrict Hong's influence on the game. Boasting fine technique, Toure is also instrumental in launching Ivorian attacks.

Trivia: In his previous role as Notts County director of football, Sven-Goran Eriksson was sounded out about leading North Korea at the World Cup. He turned them down, and was appointed Elephants boss in March.

Stats: There has only been one African win in nine World Cup encounters against Asian opposition. That came in 2002 when Cameroon defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0.

Odds: North Korea (8.50), the draw (5.00) and North Korea (1.36) with Bet365. North Korea to win to nil at 11.00 looks tempting, given they are likely to close ranks after the Portugal hammering.

Prediction: Do not expect a high-scoring game, North Korea will not want to suffer another humiliation. This game will be cagey, and Ivory Coast may be on the receiving end of a shock result.