Ivory Coast VS Portugal (0-0) All Goals & Highlights 15/6/10

Ivory Coast and Portugal drew 0-0 as the first battle of two World Cup heavyweights failed to deliver a knock-out blow in Port Elizabeth. Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-range rocket which struck the outside of the post in the first-half was a rare moment of excitement in a hugely disappointing affair at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Prolific marksman Didier Drogba was declared unfit to start and had a late sight of goal, following his introduction midway through the second-half, but could not hit the target as the game petered out into a draw. Just two efforts on target in the 90 minutes was a reflection of the paucity of attacking football on display. The one moment of quality did come early on as Ronaldo cut back inside with a cheeky flick and unleashed a 35-yard shot that hit the outside of the post with Boubacar Barry completely beaten. Ronaldo was at the heart of the early talking points with Didier Zokora booked for a foul on the ex-Manchester United man – Ronaldo going down theatrically after minimal contact. Ronaldo then was booked after going down cheaply under a challenge from Guy Demel. The former Arsenal youngster also booked for the confrontation in the aftermath. Thereafter Ronaldo, who failed to score in qualifying and has not scored for Portugal for 16 months, failed to sparkle and coach Carlos Queiroz cut an increasingly agitated figure on the sidelines Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side had moments without creating clear-cut chances, a decent effort from Siaka Tiene …