Philippe Troussier
Former
Ivory Coast manager Philippe Troussier fears the Elephants will
struggle to get past the group phase at next year’s World Cup in Brazil,
but tips Nigeria to advance to the knock-out stage.
Ivory Coast are the top ranked side in
Africa but the 58-year-old is unconvinced by their credentials after
seeing them edge out Senegal 4-2 in the World Cup qualifying play-offs.
“I am worried about Ivory Coast’s participation next year, it will be difficult for them,” Troussier told BBC Sport.
“I watched the games and I felt they were fortunate to qualify.
“If the second leg had been played in
Senegal rather than on neutral territory in Morocco I don’t think Ivory
Coast would have made it.”
Sabri Lamouchi’s men have been drawn in
Group C alongside Colombia, Greece and Japan and Troussier admits he
expected the former and the latter to top the standings at the expense
of the West Africans.
“I used to manage Japan and I know how strong their teamwork is – I believe they will win the group,” he added.
Troussier also added that he feels
fellow Africans Nigeria, another of his former teams, along with Algeria
have more of a reason to approach the tournament with optimism.
“Stephen Keshi has crocodile-thick skin and is doing a very good job as coach of Nigeria,” he said of the Super Eagles.
“Algeria can also imagine they will qualify, with the group they have been given (Belgium, Russia and South Korea).
“Ghana (in Group G with Germany,
Portugal and United States) and Cameroon (in Group A with Brazil,
Croatia and Mexico) will find it difficult.
“But African football has no complexes any more and they can all find reasons to dream.”
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