Ivory Coast bemoaning luck after being drawn in ‘Group of Death’

NAIROBI/ABIDJAN - Ivory Coast was Saturday bemoaning its luck after once again being landed in arguably the toughest World Cup group.

The Elephants are up against Brazil, Portugal and North Korea in Group G, a draw that had Ivory Coast newspaper The Patriot hauling out the hackneyed “Group of Death” tag.

“To be honest it’s a terrible group,” Ivory Coast coach Vahid Halilhodzic told the FIFA website. “I think a black cat must have followed me here in Cape Town.”

A black cat must be permanently following the Ivory Coast at World Cup draws, for in 2006 - their debut appearance at the finals - they were pitted against Brazil, the Netherlands and Serbia and Montenegro.

“This is our second appearance and the second time that we are facing big teams,” Ivory Coast defender Siaka Tiene complained.

Nonetheless, with the fearsome Didier Drogba at their disposal, there is hope that the Elephants can emerge from the group behind Brazil.

“Didier Drogba and his team mates have a chance of getting second place at the expense of Portugal,” the Patriot wrote.

Halilhodzic, who has faced some criticism for his leadership, said he believed his team was “capable of springing a surprise, even against Brazil or Portugal.”