FCBARCELONA.CAT

15.06.2010 11:31

Toure and Alves join in the fray

Toure Yaya and Dani Alves are set to make their 2010 World Cup debuts on Tuesday as Ivory Coast play Portugal (16.00) and Brazil face North Korea(20.30) in Group G.

Ivory Coast are sweating on striker Didier Drogba’s availability after appealing to FIFA to allow him to play with a cast covering the elbow he broke just before the tournament, but whether he plays or not, Toure insists: “we have a great team and we are going out to show that against Portugal”. The Portuguese are at full strength for the game, with Madrid defender Pepe likely to be on the bench after being out injured all season.

Alves happy to be at the Tournament

With Inter Milan’s Maicon seemingly Brazil coach Dunga’s preferred option at right back, Dani Alves may have to make do with a start off the bench against North Korea, though there has been plenty of speculation that he could be an option in midfield, The Barca man is philosophical about it all and explained: “I’m happy to be here. Dunga has achieved something very important with the squad and that is that nobody can consider themselves a definite starter, or always a sub. That’s very good for the group. Honestly, I’m not worrying about whether I’ll start or not. I’m just very happy to be here at the World Cup – that’s enough for me”.