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Ivory Coast-Brazil Preview
Brazil sits atop Group G, and is relishing the opportunity to face its major competition in the "Group of Death."
The South Americans meet Ivory Coast for the first time Sunday night in Johannesburg, and the Ivorians may give injured Didier Drogba his first start.
Brazil is favored to win the difficult group, but didn't start off strong with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over North Korea on Tuesday. The Selecao had trouble breaking down the resolute defense of the Asian underdogs, and are looking forward to playing the more talented African nation.
"We don't think they will come out defending so much," said Brazil striker Robinho about the Ivorians. "It's a very tough challenge when the other team is only trying to defend, it becomes very complicated for us."
The Ivory Coast opened with a scoreless draw against Portugal on Tuesday, leaving both teams tied for second place. Drogba, who broke his right arm in an exhibition match against Japan on June 4, entered as a substitute in the 66th minute after questions about whether he would see action.
His appearance didn't come without controversy since FIFA allowed Drogba to wear a special protective cast. Although coach Sven-Goran Eriksson hasn't announced his plans for Sunday, there are indications that Drogba will start.
Goalkeeper Julio Cesar believes Brazil has an edge against Drogba, who was not a factor when Chelsea lost to Inter Milan in the round of 16 of the Champions League this year.
The Inter defense that stopped Drogba included Julio Cesar, right back Maicon and center back Lucio - all starters for Brazil.
"Lucio completely dominated Drogba in the first match," Julio Cesar said.
The Ivorians have improved defensively with Eriksson in charge, and the Brazilians are looking for a better performance from playmaker Kaka after a lackluster opener. The superstar suffered through groin and thigh injuries this past season with Real Madrid, but has indicated he is healthy.
"In each match I'm getting better and better," Kaka said. "There is still a lot to improve, but that will come with time."
Maicon and Elano scored for Brazil on Tuesday, with Robinho turning in a strong performance to silence his critics after he was loaned from English Premier League team Manchester City to Brazilian club Santos.
"We will have to play better in the second match, we know it's going to be a lot harder," Robinho said. "We know that Ivory Coast has a very good team."
The Elephants were happy to get off to a more positive start after their dismal showing in their initial appearance four years ago when they were in a "Group of Death," and eliminated after losses to Argentina and the Netherlands in the first two matches.
"Every player feels very, very well and we've got confidence in ourselves," defender Emmanuel Eboue said. "If Drogba plays, it will be very great for us."
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