For those who aren’t aware, my squad in International play, aside from the U.S.A., is the Elephants from the Ivory Coast. The Cote D’Ivoire has traditionally been an underachieving bunch. They laid an egg in the African Nations Cup and somehow love to get screwed in groupings in the World Cup. The team itself is extremely talented. Could this finally be the year they make noise?

They’ve got a good coach in Sven Goran Eriksson, and are led by a bunch of talented players such as Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Salomon Kalou (Chelsea), Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal), and the Toure Brothers. Coach Eriksson has just recently trimmed the squad by cutting notable 2006 team members Bakari Kone, Emerse Fae, and Gilles Yapi Yapo.

The Group of Death features Brazil, Portugal, North Korea and the Elephants. Brazil and Portugal are top tier squads and the favorites to progress to the knockout phase. Is the Ivory Coast capable of progressing? Yes. Will it happen? Most likely not. They are as talented as any team up front, it’s the organization from the back that needs some help. They have a knack for underachieving.  We’re close to the opening game, hopefully the Elephants can make some noise in 2010.