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As a team that is decorated with a galaxy of stars, a lot of expectations rest on Côte d'Ivoire as African nations eagerly anticipate their quest for maiden glory at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ next summer.
And the side's star players are not shy about their desire to be counted among the early tournament favourites. Côte d'Ivoire became the third African side to book their place at South Africa 2010 thanks to a goal by their inspirational captain Didier Drogba, whose sole strike was enough to send the Elephants to their second successive FIFA World Cup. FIFA.com caught-up with the Côte d'Ivoire captain following their FIFA World Cup qualification en route from Malawi in Blantyre.
FIFA.com: You scored the vital goal that took Côte d'Ivoire to the 2010 FIFA World Cup to cap what has been a flawless campaign. How does it feel to qualify for the first ever FIFA World Cup on African soil?
Didier Drogba: First of all, I want to say this is a collective effort. Everything we achieve, we do it as a team. That goal was important, not just for me, but for the rest of my team-mates. We are happy to be part of this World Cup, we are very proud to be here. We believe this is an opportunity for Africans to show what they can do to the rest of the world. This is a period whereby we all have to be proud of being Africans. We know that this World Cup will change a lot of stereotypes about Africa; it will educate people more about this beautiful continent.
A lot will be expected from you and the team at South Africa 2010.
People expect a lot from us now. We have been winning games, we are playing good football. From a personal point of view, I just want to do well and help the team achieve its goal. We don't play for individual glory, but for that of the team. At the World Cup, we won't only be representing people of Côte d'Ivoire, but also millions of African people. We are not there to add the numbers, we are coming to the World Cup to compete.
People say this is the best time for an African team to qualify for the semi-finals or even win the FIFA World Cup. Do you think Côte d'Ivoire can achieve that feat?
I have to say that this is going to be a big challenge, but we are really motivated for this one, it's a special project for us. We know it won't be easy. There are great teams like Brazil and Germany who have been winners of the World Cup in the past.
My friends and I want to make history in South Africa, we want to change the way people see Africa. This World Cup is a great honour for the African people. It is a huge honour for us African people to play at this World Cup, on African soil. Now what is left is for us to work together in making Africa proud. What is important is that we have to change the image of Africa, we have to show the rest of the world what Africa can do. We have capable teams like Ghana, Egypt, Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire who have some of the top players in the world. Let's wait and see after next year and we will revisit that subject.
What about the hosts, South Africa?
When I started playing international football, South Africa was a very strong country in Africa. Like any other team, I think they are going through a rough patch. But we saw their performance at the [FIFA] Confederations Cup; they did very well during that competition.
Any Questions?
