Refusing to park the bus: How Côte d'Ivoire plans to dismantle Germany and secure World Cup knockouts

20.06.26 FT World Cup

Germany

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Ivory Coast

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After a 12 year absence from the global stage, Côte d'Ivoire is eager to continue their impressive run at the World Cup 2026.

The Elephants successfully kicked off their tournament campaign with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Ecuador setting the stage for a highly anticipated Group E clash against Germany this evening.

Refusing to Play for a Draw

Speaking to the French outlet Foot Mercato ahead of tonight's blockbuster matchup, Côte d'Ivoire head coach Emerse Faé made it abundantly clear that his squad will not adopt a defensive or subservient approach against the European heavyweights.

Faé emphasized the broader significance of their campaign noting that the hopes of an entire continent rest on all its representatives.

"I think the African continent relies on the ten nations that qualified, not just Côte d'Ivoire" he stated.

Addressing the tactical mindset against Germany, Faé firmly dismissed any idea of damage control:

"To go into a match as the Côte d'Ivoire national team and try to merely limit the damage is something that has never happened, will never happen and is completely out of the question against Germany"

Eyes on the top spot

The Ivorian manager's confidence is sky-high as he aims to orchestrate a historic victory that would guarantee their progression to the knockout stages.

"We are not here to watch the Germans play.. We came to defeat them, ensure our direct qualification to the next round and above all, return to our camp in Philadelphia with six point. We are certain of finishing the group stage at the top" " Faé concluded.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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