The good news is this: Technically, the Ivory Coast can become the second African team to book a spot in the round of 16 in this year’s World Cup.

The bad news? Not only do the Elephants have to win, not only does Portugal have to lose, but the Ivorians must make up nine goals on the Portuguese in the process.
Oh, is that all?

It seems like not long ago that people were saying Ivory Coast were Africa's best hope to advance in the tournament. Now I think most Cote d'Ivoire fans are putting on their Black Stars jerseys to support Ghana, in hopes that one of us can get through. It's not over, not at all, but losing 3-1 to Brazil, combined with Portugal's scary 7-0 win over North Korea, makes it a very long road to qualification.

Brazil has always, it seems, been one of the world’s best, the sport seemingly in the blood. New, dominant players were churned out like Model Ts. Indeed, the country has provided some of the game’s all-time greats.

And here, you thought you were only going to see volleyball being played by drunk tourists on the shores of South Africa.

With Brazil still to play in this tournament’s Group of Death, it was a game where neither team could really afford to lose, and both sides played like it. The Elephants were the better team, but all-out attack wasn’t on the cards for Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men, as neither team wanted to throw people forward and risk a counter attack.

Dider Drogba doesn’t know. We don’t know. The Portuguese don’t know. Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t know – but then, Drogba isn’t Ronaldo, so why should Ronaldo care?
Thankfully, though, Ivory Coast manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is here to shed a little light on the state of the striker’s broken right arm and his availability for Tuesday’s Group G opener against Portugal.

Speculation is mounting as to just how fit elephants front man Didier Drogba actually is, after the Ivorian football federation announced the player had rejoined the squad following successful surgery. Drogba fractured the ulna of his right forearm during the friendly match against Japan last week and it was feared he could well be out for the duration of the tournament.

But spokesmen Roger Kouassi said the Chelsea star's recovery had been 'extremely encouraging.' That said, no word was uttered about a possible return date and Drogba is still unlikely to be fit in time to face Portugal in the opening group game.

Sven Goran Eriksson has named five forwards in an attack minded squad for South Africa with West Brom's Abdoulaye Meite the unlucky shock to miss out. The most important news is that after surgery on his elbow, Didier Drogba will be joining the team, though its not certain how the injury will affect him - more on that later today. Eriksson will be hoping that Seydou Doumbia can help wade in with the goals alongside Drogs, with his phenomenal record of 50 goals in 64 games for club side Young Boys of Switzerland.