Ivory Coast determined despite long odds at Women's World Cup

Les Elephantes could hardly have landed a more difficult opening match, taking on Germany, but this is a team accustomed to overcoming the odds. Having battled through Africa qualifying and survived a tense playoff against South Africa, the squad believes in its ability and gives itself a shot of reaching the last 16.

The fact that most of the squad play in the domestic Ivory Coast league has denied them some international experience, but enhanced the collective mentality in the camp.

KEY PLAYERS

Tia N'Rehy: N'Rehy is an experienced forward who is one of only a handful of Ivory Coast players to play overseas. She stars for Spartak Subotica, the most dominant team in Serbia, and narrowly failed to take the side to the Champions League knockout rounds this season.

Jose Nahi: The other half of the team's central attacking duo, Nahi spent a season with N'Rehy at Subotica, before being snapped up by big-spending Russian side Zvezda Perm, where she reached the last 16 of the Champions League.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Coach: Clementine Toure. Toure believes her squad can become the dominant team in Africa if it can build on the success of the recent CAF championships. Following a solid performance in the group stage the side held its nerve to book a place in Canada thanks to strong fitness levels, an organized structure and a never-say-die attitude.

How they qualified: Won CAF third-place playoff

Appearances: 1

FIFA World Ranking: No. 67

Fast fact: Despite the improved fortunes of the national team, women's soccer in the Ivory Coast continued to battle for recognition from the governing authorities, and suffers from a severe lack of funding.

SCHEDULE

June 7: 4 p.m., Germany, Ottawa

June 11: 7 p.m., Thailand, Ottawa

June 15: 6 p.m., Norway, Moncton