Michel starts mind games

Michel insists Argentina are feeling the heat ahead of Saturday's match

The Ivory Coast coach Henri Michel insists the pressure is on Argentina ahead of Saturday's Group C opener.

"If logic is to be respected then one should say that Argentina and the Netherlands should qualify for the second round," the Frenchman said.

He added: "But as we know in football there is no logic, I believe that every opponent is there to be respected.

"We are facing Argentina, but what do the Argentinians think of Ivory Coast as opponents for their first match?

"Maybe they have as many doubts as us. There are no sides more favourites than the others, even if one thinks Argentina are better."

Everyone knows the importance of the first match in a World Cup Henri Michel Ivory Coast coach

Michel, who as French coach took them to the 1986 World Cup semi-finals and the Olympic side to the 1984 gold medal, said he hoped his team did not find the moment of their World Cup debut too overpowering.

"We are happy to be here, to be competing in our first World Cup," said Michel, who had to sit in his home in Beirut and watch the home matches on television because it was too dangerous for a Frenchman to be seen in the war-torn African country.

"We appreciate that the tension will mount from now till the match.

"We have had the luck that we have suffered no injuries and the conditions are ideal for finishing our preparations for the match.

"Everyone knows the importance of the first match in a World Cup, which is also against Argentina.

"Often the result determines the way the teams play for the rest of the competition.

"It is true that there is a lot of hope being placed on this team. I have confidence in their abilities, but now, we have to find out how they are going to react with regards to the tournament.

"I hope that above all they will be able to block out the fact it is their first match at a World Cup finals, and in the case where the emotions are too strong, they get rid of them quickly.

Michel, who was capped over 50 times by France, said that it was understandable the strong emotions felt by the players at approaching their first World Cup finals.

"It is not just my players who will be especially touched by raw emotion, it is everybody who takes part in a World Cup," said Michel, who has also coached Morocco and Cameroon at a World Cup finals.

"It is a kid's dream that has been realised and when you put your first step onto the pitch, practically all your life passes before you.

"The emotional side is very strong, and one has to be able to master them, but it is not unique to the Ivorians, it affects everybody."