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Journalism of Courage
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This is an archive article published on June 16, 2006
Dutch challenge for the Ivorians
Ivory Coast are likely to start without playmaker Bonaventure Kalou in Friday8217;s World Cup tussle with Netherlands in Stuttgart.
Ivory Coast are likely to start without playmaker Bonaventure Kalou in Friday8217;s World Cup tussle with Netherlands in Stuttgart.
The experienced striker featured in the opening Group C match against Argentina, a 2-1 defeat, but was criticised by the media for his performance and is expected to give way to the fit-again Aruna Dindane. The Ivorian fans and media believe their team can still have a successful campaign despite the losing start. 8220;Our people should reduce their enormous expectations,8221; Kalou told reporters earlier this week. 8220;Netherlands have a better team. We are newcomers.8221;
The Ivorians have strength in depth among their forwards in the shape of Kalou, Dindane, Didier Drogba and Arouna Kone. Henri Michel8217;s side must, however, make sure they do not leave themselves exposed at the other end against a Dutch side full of classy forwards. Winger Arjen Robben produced arguably the best individual performance of the tournament so far in the Dutch team8217;s 1-0 triumph over Serbia 038; Montenegro in Leipzig on Sunday. The darting runs of Robben are backed up by the talented Robin van Persie and top goal poacher Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Coach Marco van Basten says his side will focus on their strengths rather than dwell on the attributes of the Ivorians.
8220;We have seen Ivory Coast in several matches, including the African Nations Cup earlier in the year,8221; said Van Basten.
Match Officials:
Referee: Oscar Ruiz COL, Assistant Referees: Fernando Tamayo ECU, Jose Navia COL, Fourth Official: Marco Rodriguez MEX, Standby: Jose Camargo MEX
Theo Ruizenaar
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