While not technically the host team, Ivory Coast represents Africa’s best hope to advance. Led by fiery-tempered Didier Dogba — “One of the bet strikers in the world,” says Forrest — and a supporting cast including Chelsea teammmate Salomon Kalou and Barcelona’s Yaya Toure, Ivory Coast could be this year’s dark horse contender. But with Brazil the odds-on Group G favourite, Ivory Coast must upset Portugal in its opening match to create any chance of surprise.
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While not technically the host team, Ivory Coast represents Africa’s best hope to advance. Led by fiery-tempered Didier Dogba — “One of the bet strikers in the world,” says Forrest — and a supporting cast including Chelsea teammmate Salomon Kalou and Barcelona’s Yaya Toure, Ivory Coast could be this year’s dark horse contender. But with Brazil the odds-on Group G favourite, Ivory Coast must upset Portugal in its opening match to create any chance of surprise.
When it comes to the World Cup, there’s Brazil, and then there’s everyone else. Brazil has won a record of 5 World Cups, with their all time record at 64-14-14.
This year’s team looks equally impressive with world-class forwards Luis Fabiano and Kaka, while goalkeeper Julio Cesar is among the game’s best.
“They could probably field three or four teams in the World Cup,” says Forrest. While Brazil plays in arguably the tournament’s toughest group — Group G, which includes Portugal, North Korea and Ivory Coast — it would take an epic collapse for this team not to advance to the Top 16.
Kaka is a key player to watch on Brazil.
The latest in the long line of otherworldly Brazilian forwards, Kaka — dubbed the game’s “most complete player” by no less an authority than Pele –boasts both a tremendous shot and an unparalleled passing ability.
While FIFA’s 2007 World Player of the Year has struggled through a lacklustre season with Real Madrid, his status as one of the game’s elite players was confirmed at the 2009 Confederations Cup (won by Brazil), where he was awarded the Adidas Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
