Ivory Coast shows sides can coexist
TROISDORF, Germany – The pop song that had thousands of Germans clapping and dancing made the scattering of fans from the Ivory Coast smile uncomfortably as their national team warmed up to play a local soccer club.
The lyrics recounted the simmering civil war that still divides their country – even as this World Cup brings them together.
Since a failed coup in 2002, a nation that once was among sub-Saharan Africa’s most prosperous has been split in two between rebels who control the north and loyalist forces who control the south, with thousands of U.N. and French peacekeepers in a buffer zone in between.
The strife stops along with everything else when the Elephants – known for their flashy, attacking style and orange jerseys – take the field and Ivorians gather around televisions to watch.
The team embodies unity: Players hail from both the south and north. Their stampede to the country’s first World Cup even raised hopes that a lasting peace might not be far behind.
“We play our game, and if that can bring peace in the Ivory Coast, that’s good,” said striker Bonaventure Kalou. “We want to show that people from the north and south of the Ivory Coast can play together in harmony as an example for the country.”
Although the Elephants fell 2-1 in their opener against Argentina, the game was the early talk of the tournament. End-to-end action meant numerous scoring chances for both teams. Ivory Coast held advantages in possession, shots and corner kicks.
They have proven they won’t be overmatched in what many call the tournament’s toughest group, though to advance they may have to beat both the Netherlands on Friday and Serbia-Montenegro next week.
The players are quick to point out that they are not politicians, and that they’re not sure it’s appropriate to discuss unrest at home. But the joy and unity they bring to their country, especially when they win, is undeniable.
“When they play in the Ivory Coast, the stadium is full of people who don’t care about politics,” said Rabe Pierre of Athletes in Action, an Abidjan-based organization that uses sports to promote health and wellness among Ivorian youth. “Sports, right now, is the only way we can be unified.”
There have been hopeful signs of late. The leader of the northern rebels recently rejoined a national unity government. Rival factions have promised to move at the same time toward disarmament and autumn elections. Though such promises have been broken in the past, attacker Arouna Kone brought up possible elections Monday as he talked with reporters.
While most players live comfortably in Europe – where they play professionally and are paid handsomely – many relatives and friends remain back home.
Back in Troisdorf, a village amid rolling farmland in Germany’s west, the song that blared over loudspeakers before Sunday’s friendly dealt with growing sentiment against the country’s former colonial masters. Recalling how Ivorians fought alongside the French in World War II, the song by Collectif Zouglou states: “Our fathers fought with France. Now France fights against our children.”
The French government has said it is neutral and that its military presence is meant to restore stability and security, especially for French citizens who live and work there. It’s a touchy subject that most players would rather not discuss in detail, preferring to talk of peace.
U.S. loss sets ESPN2 record
The United States’ 3-0 loss to the Czech Republic was watched by 2.14 million households, the most to see a soccer game on ESPN2. Monday’s match received a 2.4 cable rating, the network said. It was the most-watched program on the network this year.