Ivory Coast and Portugal played out a 0-0 draw in a cagey game in the Nelson Mandela Stadium. The big news before the game was the Didier Drogba started the game on the bench after breaking his arm in a warm up game, Aruna Dindane started in his place. The Ivory Coast defence in the game was brilliant and courageous as Didier Zokora showed after getting kicked in the head by Liedson. In contrast Portugal never really got going in this game.

After 10 mintues captain for the day Cristiano Ronaldo smacked the post with an effort that dipped and swerved and left the Ivory Coast Keeper Boubacar Barry defeated. Moments later the twinkled toed winger Ronaldo was booked after an altercation with Guy Demel. To be honest Ronaldo was a tad unlucky after the referee failed to spot the foul by Demel in the 1st place. This was a game that failed to deliver any decent chance after Ronaldo effort. The only chance in the 1st half that the Ivorians could muster up was long range efforts from Tiene and Tiote.

In the second half Ivory Coast were more lively as the impressive Gervinho and Kalou failed to take their chances on goal. Once again Ronaldo was denied not by the post this time but by the keeper Barry. Also Liedson had a weak effort saved by the keeper. Raul Merieles the Porto midfielder who impressed in this game had a effort which was deflected wide. As Portugal began to tire, the Ivory Coast finished the game a lot stronger but without breaking the deadlock after a Drogba effort. 0-0 seemed to be the fair result in this game and both teams must improve as Brazil are favorites to come out of this group.