Sven-Göran Eriksson says that getting revenge in the game of the Ivory Coast against Portugal is the last thing on his mind. Eriksson was beaten twice by Portugal as the head coach of England, in the European Championship (2004) as well as in the 2006 World Cup competition, but the Swedish manager insist this is all in the past.

“Brazil is definitely the favourite team of the group, and the rest of the teams come right after. Our first game against Portugal is for sure the most important match of the whole tournament for the Ivory Coast, but I’m not looking for revenge.” says Eriksson while trying to erase the bad memories as England’s manager and the unfortunate results against the Portuguese. Eriksson focuses on his team’s goal, which is the round of 16, but without completely dismissing their chances of reaching the quarter-finals.

“If we manage to go past the group stage it will certainly be considered as a success, but if we go all the way to the quarter finals it will be huge especially for an African team like the Ivory Coast. We need to work hard and truly believe that we can achieve this.” Eriksson also spoke highly about his former team England, admitting that they are one of the World Cup favourites this time: “England has a very experienced team, a lot of players have participated in the previous World Cup. Wayne Rooney is in great shape no doubt, and I think England can make it to the semi-finals and maybe the final too. I am very proud to be the manager of England for five years in the past.”

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