It’s Tuesday in Fortaleza that Côte d’Ivoire could reach for the first time in its history the knockouts stage of the World Cup. Sabri Lamouchi and Elephants have just a small effort to make agaiinst Greece to qualify.

Despite their defeat against Colombia on Thursday in Brasilia (2-1), the men of Sabri Lamouchi remain in the best position of group C to join the Coffee Growers in the second round.

“We came here with the intention to pass through the group stage. It is difficult and it will be even more Tuesday against a team that rarely loses two games in a row. We have to be patient, do not make a mistake. We expect everything except an easy game,” Sabri Lamouchi said before adding:“I’m lucky to have 23 Ivorians. They all want to get into history. We had 40 days of preparation; we worked two years together. And I’ve never seen working so good. I have not given a fine; they are managed as top professionals. They are prepared properly for an important competition for them, Côte d’Ivoire and for the whole population. Two years after taking charge of the selection and even if it has not always been easy, I am very proud to be the coach of the Elephants. The confidence I get from my players fills me with happiness. Tuesday, I hope they’ll reap what they have sown for two years of effort and sacrifice.”

Success against the Greeks will qualify them for sure and even a draw would be enough. In this case, it would be neccessary fact that the Japanese beat Colombia with two goals and scoring three more goals than Côte d’Ivoire before Sabri Lamouchi and his Ivorian pachyderms get eliminated.