Didier Drogba has established himself as one of most feared strikers in the world. And when Ivory Coast will play their first ever World Cup in Germany, much will depend on the strong striker.
While playing the qualifiers, they had to play Cameroon and Egypt, two of the strongest teams in Africa.
But they didn't succumb to the pressure of playing against these two big teams, and with four wins and only one defeat in their first five matches, they could not have made a better start to their qualifying campaign.
They went to the second phase of the qualifiers as the group leaders. But Cameroon came back strongly, giving them a tough time.
The Elephants, as the Ivory Coast team is called, hold their nerves beating Sudan 3-1, and Cameroon, needing a win, only managed a draw against Egypt. It cleared the way for Ivory Coast to Germany.
Placed in the Group of Death (Group C) against two-time champions Argentina, Holland and Serbia and Montenegro, Drogba and the other two key players - Aruna Dindane and Kolo Toure - have to be at their best.
This team has the potential to surprise Argentina and Holland, the teams likely to take the first two spots in the group.
COMPLETE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Jean-Jacques Tizie, Boubacar Barry Copa, Gerard Gnanhouan;
Defenders: Cyrille Domoraud, Blaise Kouassi, Abdoulaye Meite, Etienne Arthur Boka, Abib Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue, Marc Zoro
Midfielders: Didier Zokora, Emerse Fae, Kanga Gauthier Akale, Romaric Ndri Koffi, Gnegneri Yaya Toure, Gilles Yapi Yapo, Guy Roland Demel
Forwards: Bakari Kone, Didier Drogba, Arouna Kone, Bonaventure Kalou, Abdoul Kader Keita, Aruna Dindane.