Spain coach Luis Aragones believes Ivory Coast will be the surprise package in the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany this summer. Aragones was full of praise for the Ivorians following their display in the African Cup of Nations in Egypt that concluded last month. “They have at least eight excellent players who can help their team make a surprise run in the World Cup finals,” Aragones was quoted as saying by the Spanish Football Federation official website. The Elephants lost the African final to hosts Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout. “Ivory Coast are the current African Cup runners-up and I believe they have the highest individual and team skills in Africa,” he said. Ivory Coast will face the Iberians in a World Cup warm-up match that will take place in Valladolid on Wednesday.
Ivory Coast skipper Didier Drogba Aragones feels that Ivory Coast might have the upper hand but hopes Spain can produce a good performance. “I know that we will be playing in tough weather conditions with very low temperatures, but I don't think that will be a problem for us,” assured Aragones. “I believe the pitch will be in good condition and ready for the match.” The Spanish squad will be missing captain Raul Gonzalez, giving way for Valencia striker and Primera Liga top-scorer David Villa to earn a spot in the starting line-up. Spain was drawn in Group H of the World Cup alongside Tunisia, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia, while Ivory Coast fell in the deadly group C with Argentina, Holland and Serbia and Montenegro.
