Ivory Coast

Possibly one of the strongest African sides to qualify, the Ivory Coast will be looking to make a real impact at this 2010 FIFA World Cup after a courageous display in 2006.

In Germany, 'Les Elephants' were drawn in the same group as Argentina and Holland, losing to both, while beating Serbia and Montenegro but may now feel that on their home continent they can mount a bigger challenge.

Standing in their way in the group stage are Brazil and Portugal, two of the world's greatest teams and they will have to be at their very best if they are going to get past them and into the knock out stages.

Star Man - Didier Drogba

Both loved and hated equally by football fans, Drogba the player is a fine striker whose pace and strength combined with a natural goal scoring instinct make him one of the worlds best strikers. It is however his infamous tendency to dive and roll around as if shot by a sniper in the Stamford Bridge crowd that leads to much of his criticism.

If Drogba can avoid such incidents in South Africa and concentrate on his superb footballing ability he could inspire the Elephants to a run to at the very least the quarter-finals and maybe even further.

Coach - Sven Goran Eriksson

Former England and Manchester City manager Eriksson took up the job as Ivory Coast boss in March after former manager Vahid Halilhodzic was sacked following the elephants defeat at the Quarter Final stages of the African Cup of Nations in Angola.

Some view Sven’s appointment as disruption for a side who have only lost once in 24 matches but his international experience and the respect he commands from his players means that he will be able to set up his team adequately against the tough task that awaits in South Africa.

If the Ivory Coast were to grab a win over either Portugal or Brazil, Mr Eriksson could go down in history.

One to Watch - Gervinho

Currently carving out a superb start to his career in France, Gervinho is tipped for big things, and don't just take it from us.

Teammate Didier Drogba said of the Lille attacker "If he is lucky with injuries, in the next two years he could be at the same level as Ronaldo, Messi, Nani, those top young players, he is so good."

Signed this season by Lille as a replacement for Michel Bastos, Gervinho already appears to be 8 million euros well spent after scoring 11 goals in 22 games, the majority coming from left wing, although his versatility means he can play in any role up front or on either wing.

If he is able to carry on his form at Lille this baby elephant could come of age in South Africa.

Odds to win - 25/1

GROUP STAGE FIXTURES