Ivorians rely on Toure de force!
IVORY COAST
Head coach Sabri Lamouchi. Can the Frenchman finally bring the best out of the Elephants in his first coaching role? An elegant midfielder in his time, he was axed from the French squad ahead of the 1998 World Cup that went on to become Champions in Paris.
How they qualified Eased through their opening group unbeaten. Made harder work of their play-off tie than necessary, as it took an injury-time away goal from Salomon Kalou in the second leg to calm the nerves and earn a 4-2 aggregate win over Senegal.
Most valuable player Yaya Toure. Has just completed a fantastic campaign for Manchester City, winning the Premier League and the Capital One Cup. He scored 24 goals, made plenty of others and was the driving force of the team.
The powerful midfielder did not feel he got the individual recognition his feats deserved, despite plenty of praise heading his way throughout the season, but this is his chance to shine.
He can put those silly stories about his birthday to one side if he shows the world those surging runs forward. Would worry England if he lines up against them in a potential knockout game.
Prospects Ended up in the ‘Group of Death’ in both Germany and South Africa but not here. Some of the star names are past their best and this could be a last hurrah for the likes of Dider Drogba at the highest level, but individual brilliance could help them sneak into the last 16.
COLOMBIA
Head coach Jose Pekerman. The Argentine was working as a taxi driver when his country won the World Cup in 1978 before eventually leading them to the 2006 finals. Resigned after his talented team lost on penalties to Germany in the quarter-finals.
How they qualified After a slow start, they quickly emerged as the strongest team in South American qualifying behind behind Argentina, with just one defeat in their last ten qualifiers.
Most valuable player James Rodriguez. Must take top billing after injury ruled out star striker Radamel Falcao. Was signed by Monaco 12 months ago for £36 million to supply the chances for Falcao, and he finished the season with most assists in Ligue 1. Now he will link up again with former Porto team-mate Jackson Martinez, and Sevilla hit-man Carlos Bacca.
Prospects Had the best away record in South American qualifying which shows they can adapt well to the continent’s varying conditions.
GREECE
Head coach Fernando Santos. The Manuel Pellegrini of the World Cup, as Santos also holds a degree in engineering. The Portuguese coach took charge AEK Athens, Panathinaikos and PAOK before he replaced Euro 2004 winner Otto Rehhagel in 2010.
How they qualified Lost out to Bosnia at the top of Group G by virtue of their head-to-head record. Went into the play-offs, where a 4-2 aggregate win over Romania followed.
Most valuable player Sokratis Papastathopoulos. Has just enjoyed a stand-out debut season for Borussia Dortmund at centre-half alongside Mats Hummels, as the 25-year-old’s performances saw him make the Bundesliga Team of the Season.
Prospects Were not free-scoring against the likes of Liechtenstein in qualifying with just 12 in ten games, so they will struggle to open up better teams.
JAPAN
Head coach Alberto Zaccheroni. Has been in charge of the Japanese since 2010 after 25 years of managing in Italy. Won Serie A with AC Milan, before less successful spells at Inter and Juventus.
His time at Juve included being knocked out of the Europa League by Roy Hodgson’s Fulham.
How they qualified Struggled through their first section but came on strong in the final group as Keisuke Honda’s injury-time penalty against Australia got the job done with two rounds to go.
Most valuable player Shinji Kagawa. His two years at Manchester United have only offered glimpses of what Kagawa can do. He remains hugely popular in Japan and fans will expect big things from him in Brazil.
If Japan are to prosper, his understanding with AC Milan star Honda will be key to their chances.
Prospects Competitive at last year’s Confederations Cup but didn’t get out of the group and it could be the same again.
Report by John Barrett and Adam Lanigan
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