Best World Cup performance. Having never qualified from the group stages, the Ivory Coast’s best result is surely beating Serbia and Montenegro in 2006. In both previous World Cup appearances the Ivorians have found themselves in the “Group of Death”, finishing third on both occasions.

Worst forgettable World Cup moment. Failing to defeat Portugal in 2010. They had the chances, but the 0-0 draw meant beating North Korea wasn’t enough to qualify.

In Group C with: The Ivory Coast are delighted to find themselves grouped with Greece and Japan, but Colombia will pose a challenge.

Tactics/Playing style. Thanks to four years spent at Auxerre, Lamouchi is a disciple of Guy Roux and therefore of 4-3-3. Getting the ball to Drogba remains the plan but it isn’t route one football. Both full backs are technically gifted enough to carry the ball; Romaric (or Tioté, but Romaric gives more attacking options) and Touré in midfield can both play with finesse and Zokora will be the water carrier. Gervinho and Kalou will buzz around Drogba, starting wide.

Strengths. Match winners in attack. An unbalanced squad, top heavy in talent, but players like Drogba, Yaya Touré, Bony and Gervinho can win games on their own. These are players who play at the highest level and the only wonder is how they have never won anything together at international level. Even Salomon Kalou can produce match-winning moments, so opposition defences have to stay on their toes.

Weaknesses. The defence is not of a very high level. Kolo Touré is not the force he once was in his Arsenal days, frequently making basic errors at club level; his partner Bamba is not a starter for his club. There is strength at full back, however. Goalkeeper Barry has been undisputed number one for over a decade but has never inspired confidence, and has never played at a higher level than middling Belgian clubs.

Key player. Yaya Touré is, on his day, the most physically dominating midfielder to play the game. This is allied to an ability to drive forward with the ball at his feet, a prodigious shot and subtlety in his free kicks that one wouldn’t expect from such a muscular individual. He frequently goes missing for his club, and the Ivorians will be relying on him to take every game by the scruff of the neck.

Star of the team. Didier Drogba remains the star of this team even at the grand age of 36. He has lost a lot of mobility and stamina but none of his technique and still bullies defenders for fun. However the ball has to be delivered precisely to him for him to be able to be useful. Is a talismanic presence for club, his national teammates and his entire country.

Player to watch. Bony’s talent will not surprise anyone who watches Swansea, but his presence in the starting eleven in Drogba’s place may surprise the world.

Serie A players. The sole Serie A player is Gervinho, who has rebuilt his career in Italy, reuniting with Garcia who knows him so well. Has always performed well for his country; this summer will see the burden of expectation placed on his shoulders

Prediction. Should finally qualify for the next round, where one of England, Italy or Uruguay will await. If it’s Uruguay they will have a chance, but both European teams should be too strong for them. Second round exit.