Preview: An excellent warm-up ahead of Brazil 2014
The Elephants flopped at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Four years later, they were keen to improve but it was never going to be easy to qualify into the knockout stages with Portugal and powerhouse Brazil completing the ‘Group of Death’. Not even the spirit of the African soil offered luck to the Ivoirians.
This time, the World Cup fiesta will take place on the land of the most successful footballing nation. During the draw last year, the West Africans fell into Group C with Colombia, Greece and Japan. Cote d’Ivoire stand a good chance of finally getting third time lucky.
However, to avoid yet another disappointment on the big stage, they must prepare with a lot of enthusiasm and determination. Although Wednesday’s encounter in Brussels is only a friendly match, it should offer Cote d’Ivoire an excellent platform to test their current level.
Indeed, Belgium’s national team is blessed with an abundance of talents. Eden Hazard, Courtois and company have been tipped to dazzle in Brazil this summer. Group H is a rather easy group for this European side, with South Korea, Russia and Algeria part of it.
The Belgians’ easiest World Cup group stage challenge would appear to be against the Algerians. But nothing can be taken for granted. That said, Belgium will want to boost their confidence by playing a good game against Drogba, Yaya Toure and the rest of the Ivory Coast team.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Belgium vs Cote d’Ivoire live on Wednesday, March 5, 2014:
In Belgium at 20:45:
| Belgium | Canvas, Club RTL |
In Brazil at 16:45:
| Brazil | Watch ESPN Brasil |
If you are in Ivory Coast, consider checking local channels for the live broadcast of this crucial World Cup 2014 rehearsal. LiveSoccerTV provides you with live scores as well as well as global live listings on the Belgium vs Cote d’Ivoire match page.
