Ivory Coast vs Portugal - Toure: We can win without Drogba
Posted Tuesday, June 15, 2010 by PA
Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure has told his team-mates to believe they can make an impact at the World Cup even without Didier Drogba.
The Ivorians were rocked in the run-up to the finals when the Chelsea striker broke a bone in his forearm, and although he is expected to be able to play some part in the tournament, it is not yet known whether he will be available for the opening Group G clash with Portugal in Port Elizabeth.
However, Manchester City stopper Toure insists there is more to Sven-Goran Eriksson's men than just their star frontman.
He told www.fifa.com: "During the first few days, it was really hard to take because Didier is our captain and best player, after all.
"He's a top goalscorer who has always stood up to be counted when we have found ourselves with our backs against the wall.
"But there are 23 players here representing the Ivory Coast and it is all those players together who will win us matches, not Didier Drogba on his own.
"We will deal with whatever comes our way. What counts now is that everyone fights for each other, side by side."
Toure also paid tribute to former England boss Eriksson for the way in which he has changed the mindset of his new team.
He said: "He has put an added emphasis on playing as a team and not just as a collection of individuals.
"He has managed to change the mindset of the team and of each player. We have always had good players, but have never been able to properly work together as an effective unit, defending and attacking as one.
"That's what we have been working on, and we hope that it will bear fruit, starting with our first match versus Portugal."
Meanwhile, the Portuguese Football Federation have dismissed reports Nani was sent home from the World Cup for reasons other than a shoulder injury.
Speculation has been rife that there is an underlying issue as Nani travelled with the rest of the squad to South Africa and trained with them for two days after suffering the injury before being ruled out.
And the Manchester United winger has now added fuel to the fire by telling awaiting reporters at Lisbon airport: "I'll be fine in a week."
If Nani's claims are true, the 23-year-old would have only missed Tuesday's opener and would have recovered in time to face Brazil and North Korea.
The vice-president of the Portuguese federation insists there are no problems between Nani and the coaching staff.
Amandio de Carvalho said: "There is no attempting to hide anything, there was only the hope that he could have recovered."
Nani was looking to shine in the showpiece event after an impressive season for United.
He said: "I thought this was going to be my World Cup, I was training and playing well, but that's life.
"I worked a lot for this World Cup but I had the misfortune to injure myself before the start."
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