AFTER an impressive qualifying campaign Ivory Coast head to south America to take part in their third successive World Cup finals.

It is now or never for many players of the Elephants’ “golden generation” and they can feel a lot more confident of progressing into the knockout stages this time round after avoiding another dreaded group of death.

The African nation have finished the first round in third in their two previous finals appearances, after being drawn with the likes of Argentina, Holland, Brazil and Portugal over the last eight years.

Joined in Group C by Japan, Colombia and Greece, on paper the Elephants have a good chance to reach the last 16 for the first time in their history.

Reaching Brazil was straightforward for the west Africans. Unbeaten in their qualification section, they were able to book their ticket at the finals with a game to spare, which will boost the confidence before their opener against Japan on June 15.

Former France international Sabri Lamouchi has been in charge since May 2012 and will be taking most of his usual names to Brazil.

But one surprise absentee is former Arsenal right-back Emmanuel Eboue — highly rated young Toulouse defender Serge Aurier has been called up instead.

Attack is where the Ivorians are very strong, with Wilfried Bony, Seydou Doumbia and iconic captain Didier Drogba all at Lamouchi’s disposal.

 In-form Man City midfielder Yaya Toure will also be looking to add to his Premier League and League Cup winners medals from this season with some international silverware.

Verdict: With Yaya Toure in the form he is currently in and Didier Drogba’s knack for scoring in the big games, anything is possible — I think it should be enough to put them in at least the quarter-finals.