- Title: GERMANY: SOCCER/FOOTBALL - Ivory Coast prepare to meet Dutch.
- Date: 16th June 2006
- Summary: STRIKER AROUNA KONE KICKING THE BALL
- Embargoed: 1st July 2006 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Germany
- Country: Germany
- Topics: Sports
- Reuters ID: LVA480HQBYQGOH0HJ2VXH9P31R2O
- Story Text: Ivory Coast are likely to start without playmaker Bonaventure Kalou in Friday's (June 16, 2006) World Cup match with the 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.
Coach Henri Michel told a news conference on Thursday (June 15) that he hoped the World Cup debutants would not be going home from Germany so soon.
Frenchman Michel said the team need to focus on getting a result against the Netherlands and not look too far ahead. He said they were aware of the standard of the Dutch team.
Earlier, Ivorian players had said the media's expectations were too high as they are only newcomers.
The Ivorians have strength in depth among their forwards in the shape of Kalou, Dindane, Didier Drogba and Arouna Kone.
Henri Michel'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 team's 1-0 triumph over Serbia & Montenegro in Leipzig on Sunday. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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