The Ivory Coast Boast of Hiring Hiddink?

So, after a disappointing quarterfinal exit, the Ivory Coast has parted ways with their head coach, Vahid Halilhodzic. Also, according to reports, Drogba and the federation have flirted with hiring Gus Hiddink, who currently is employed by Russia, then Turkey, but seems to have excellent time management skills and could probably lead a few other teams.

On the plus side, the federation did not immediately fire the coach. On the negative side, I’m not so sure I agree with this decision. The last coach led the Mighty Elephants to World Cup qualification and his squad selection was pretty good. Granted, he did inexplicably sub out Kalou in the quarterfinal game vs. Algeria, but one mistake-equals-fired is a pretty demanding standard.

In terms of Hiddink, many people paint the Dutchman as a play-off wizard. However, his “hold Barcelona scoreless for 180 minutes” approach vs. Barcelona in last season’s Champions League semi-finals did not work out. And his “park the bus” strategy for Russia’s second leg playoff failed miserably. Granted, both sides did well – but increasingly, Gus builds offensive teams that struggle to hold onto leads.

On a metal level, I can see why the Ivory Coast wanted to change coaches. The 4-3-3 formation led to some dazzling attacking football, but also left a soft center for long stretches. Against Algeria, the midfield slowly faded and then disappeared entirely, a troubling sign for a team with championship talent and aspirations.

Will the ‘Coast hire Hiddink? Maybe. Will one coach cause the locker room to magically unite and lead them to a World Cup title? Unlikely. But with a steady hand at the helm, a quarterfinal appearance is a definite possibility. Emphasis on definite. And possibility.

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Ivory Coast – The Distasteful Tale of Dindane

All flowers grow from a pot of dirt. Despite the darkness of relegation at season’s end, the fairytale run to the FA Cup final has given Portsmouth’s fans a bit of solace. It also has rejuvenated the form and confidence of one Aruna Dindane. But all is not well…

Apparently, if Dundane plays in the FA Cup final, it will trigger a clause in his contract from Lens that will require Portsmouth to pay 4 million pounds. Pompey does not have that cash .

Avram Grant has stated his claim – if Lens want to sell the player this summer and the player is competing for a World Cup place, then games at Pompey can lead to that spot and a nice transfer. See the equation yourself.

Just for clarification, the French club would have allowed him to play in the FA Cup final. But they remained adamant that he cannot play any other games.

Portsmouth refused to accept this “one off deal.” They adamantly believed that the player would need Premiership games to be fit & match sharp for the tie against Chelsea.

In a sense, this situation reflects the sad state of Pompey affairs. They cannot afford success. On the other hand, these sort of payday-player-loans with hidden games-clauses reek of usury and, ultimately, its the player who suffers.

As is normally the case, both sides are being unreasonable, viewing the situation as black/white and either/or. Its sad to see a person, a professional no less, being treated as chattel. And we the viewers miss out.

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Vincent Angban

Vincent Atchouailou de Paul Angban (born 2 February 1985 in Anyama) is an Ivorian football goalkeeper playing for ASEC Mimosas.

Career

He began his career by Rio Sport d'Ányama and was promoted to first team 2005, he leave after 2 years Anyama and joined than to 2007 ASEC Mimosas. There he was the first choice 'keeper until the beginning of the 2009 season when Daniel Yeboah replaced him due to an injury. Yeboah convinced the manager of his qualities and stayed on the pitch when Angban was fit again.

Attributes

His good abilities to read the game, excellent reflex and positioning in his box, as well as excellent communication with his defence has warranted him the position of first choice ‘keeper at the club. Angban his contribution in turning away opponents’ daunting strikes has been very significant for the club. He has played has played more than a third of ASEC’s games both internationally and locally.

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Boubacar Barry

Boubacar "Copa" Barry (born December 30, 1979 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast) is a Ivorian football goalkeeper who currently, as of May 2007, plays for K.S.C. Lokeren. In Belgium, he plays under the football name of "Copa", however, in the national team of the Ivory Coast, his football name is his regular name.

He has 42 caps for the national team, and was called up to the 2006 World Cup. He appeared in the final group match against Serbia and Montenegro in 22 June 2006, which Côte d'Ivoire won 3-2.

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