Eriksson plotting Ivory Coast world cup campaign

Ivory Coast coach Sven-Goran Eriksson believes his talented team can advance from the group stage at the World Cup.

Ivory Coast, led by Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, is in Group G with Brazil, Portugal and North Korea at the June 11-July 11 tournament.

Eriksson said Monday that "we are in a difficult group and it will not be easy but I think the Ivory Coast, with all their talents, can get through it."

The 62-year-old Swede says his main concern is that the squad won't gather until May 22, just weeks before the tournament begins in South Africa.

Eriksson, who was hired Sunday, says he will leave London on Tuesday to see all the players around Europe and in the Ivory Coast.