Preview: Out of the true debutantes at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Ivory Coast just might be the squad most capable of holding their own at the 2006 World Cup.  A core of talented players includes Kolo Touré, Arouna Kone, Bonaventure Kalou, and Chelsea man Didier Drogba.  Drogba is a true leader both on and off the field and is one of the most feared strikers in the world.  Unfortunately the group draw couldn't be more difficult for the West African nation, as all four teams in Group C are worthy of second round play.  However, if Ivory Coast can overcome the jitters of inexperience and survive their group, they could make a run just like fellow African teams Senegal and Cameroon did in recent tournaments.

Result: The heavyweights of Group C exerted their dominance, ruling out any hopes for advancement Ivory Coast might have had.  The debutantes were able to score against each one of their opponents, however allowing two goals per game could be seen as Ivory Coast's undoing in the 2006 World Cup.