South Africa 2010 was not a happy tournament for the Ivory Coast team.

The fact they were in a very tough group comprising of Brazil and Portugal (plus North Korea) did not help and the pre-tournament injury to star striker Didier Drogba came at precisely the wrong time.

An ineffectual performance in the scoreless draw with Portugal was not customary Ivory Coast play whilst the barnstorming 3-0 win over North Korea came too late after they were easily beaten by Brazil in their second outing.

Despite having a positive goal difference and four points on the board, the African nation could not grab a spot in the final 16 and although they knew they were in for a tough time, a more positive showing would have been readily acceptable.

Finished: 17th Record: Wins - 1; Draws - 1; Losses - 1; Points - 4 Matches: Portugal (0-0), Brazil (1-3), North Korea (3-0) Goals: 4 Against: 3

tribalfootball.com's Star ManYaya Toure (Vindicated interest shown in him by European clubs with solid performances in central midfield)

Official statistics

Minutes playedBoubacar Barry 270 Yaya Toure 270 Kolo Toure 270 Ismael Tiote 270 Didier Zokora 270

Top scorersYaya Toure 1 Salomon Kalou 1 Didier Drogba 1 Romaric 1

Total shotsDidier Drogba 10 Romaric 5 Salomon Kalou 5 Gervinho 4

Pass Completion RateYaya Toure 83% Didier Zokora 83% Kolo Toure 80% Emmanuel Eboue 79%

Most Fouls Ismael Tiote 11 Didier Zokora 7 Aruna Dindane 6 Didier Drogba 6 Siaka Tiene 6

Yellow cardsGuy Demel 1 Kader Keita 1 Siaka Tiene 1 Didier Zokora 1 Ismael Tiote 1

Red cards none

SavesBoubacar Barry 8