Injury stalks clash between Ivory Coast and Portugal

On paper this confrontation between Ivory Coast and Portugal should be one of the gems of the first round. Yet the build-up to the mouth-watering meeting of some of the top stars from Europe and Africa has been clouded by injury.

Portugal were rocked by a collarbone injury to Nani which has ruled the winger out of contention.

Ivory Coast had already been hit even harder with the broken arm suffered by skipper Didier Drogba in a warm-up match on June 4.

The Chelsea striker underwent surgery and amazingly could still take part. Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is hopeful his walking wounded warrior will make it.

The Swede is planning to leave a decision about Drogba's participation until just before kick-off.

While Ivory Coast sailed through qualifying to top their group, Portugal only secured their ticket with a play-off win over Bosnia.

Given the presence of Brazil in Group G, the result of this clash could well determine who progresses to the last 16 with European champions Spain the probable second round opponents for the second-placed finisher.

Portugal winger Simao is hoping to avoid Spain by topping the table.

"It will be difficult if Portugal face Spain in the last 16 because they are the European champions," the 30-year-old said.

He dismissed rumours that he did not get on with superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, saying he was good friends with the Read Madrid player.

"It's a lie and I don't understand it. You can ask Ronaldo and he will confirm that."

The Atletico Madrid player added: "Portugal have some of the best players in Europe with a lot of ambition and it's a very united and strong team.

"It's always important to start in the best way with a win. We don't want to face Brazil in the third game needing a win but if we need to win, why not?"

Key To Match

Ivory Coast's chances of beating the team ranked third in the world will be immeasurably increased if Didier Drogba can make a remarkable return just 10 days after surgery.