Published: June 15, 2010
World Cup: Ivory Coast 0-0 Portugal, Dull Opener For Two Top Teams
By David Jester
One of the most anticipated opening games of the World Cup, Ivory Coast v Portugal, kicked off in South Africa tonight and offered very little excitement for the supporters.
The teams were locked in a 0-0 stalemate in the drizzling rain as they both took a point away from the game, meaning that they will both try to either get something against Brazil, or see who can score the most goals against North Korea to decide who qualifies.
Ronaldo did hit the woodwork from distance in the first half, one of the few long distance shots that hasn't blazed over the bar in this tournament (with complications still arising from the flight of the new ball), but there was very little else to take away from this battle.
Drogba began the game on the bench for the Ivory Coast but he came on in the second half to a roaring greeting from the African crowd. He was gifted a half-chance in stoppage time but dragged a slide-shot across goal as the game petered out.
It does end the day well for the Newsblaze predictions which suffered earlier today and last night after having a 100% success rate over the first few days. The predicted Draw should be enough to recoup the money lost in the opening game of Day 5, although the anticipated 1-1 was too much of a stretch for two teams who seemed incapable of scoring.
Brazil kickoff their campaign tonight against North Korea and everyone is expecting the World Number One's to put on a top show, so be sure to watch the game and if you want to have a flutter check out the Free Bets offered below:
Betfair - £25 Free Bet.
Victor Chandler - £125 Free Bet
Bet365 - £200 Free Bets.
Sky Bet £10 Free Bet + Free Super 6 (possible £100k win) entry.
Ladbrokes £25 Free Bet from £5 Stake
David Jester is the Newsblaze Soccer expert. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/DavidJester
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