Ivory Coast are hoping for another North Korean defensive meltdown in their final Group G match here on Friday if they are to avoid another early African exit at the World Cup.
Didier Drogba’s Elephants must register a comprehensive win over the North Koreans at the Mbombela Stadium and hope group leaders Brazil punish Portugal in Durban for them to have even a remote prospect of reaching the last 16.
The Elephants are conceding a massive nine goal difference to second-placed Portugal heading into Friday’s decisive group matches, and the odds and logic are firmly stacked against them.
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Switzerland all set for Honduras
Bloemfontein, June 24: Switzerland can secure a place in the World Cup round of 16 by beating Honduras on Friday with a margin of at least two goals in their final Group H encounter.
That result would put the Swiss through, notwithstanding what happens in the other Group H clash between Chile and Spain.
“We have our destiny in our own hands, and this is an advantage,” said coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.
In contrast, Honduras, who lost both their previous matches, require something akin to a miracle to qualify for the next round. — DPA