Côte d'Ivoire Dismisses Halilhodzic

Saying that winning the Cup of Nations was a stated goal of their federation, Côte d'Ivioire has dismissed head coach Vahid Halilhodzic.

Côte d'Ivoire was eliminated by Algeria in the Cup of Nations quarterfinals, giving up two leads before losing to the Desert Foxes in extra time.  Their uninspired play caused many to speculate that they were focused on June's World Cup.  This weekend's action by the Fédération Ivoirienne de Football made it clear that the focus was supposed to be the continental championship, eventually won by Egypt.

Halilhodzic was hired in 2008 and guided the team to World Cup qualification and had impressed me with this personnel management and his tactical decisions.  One of the main reasons I felt Côte d'Ivioire was best positioned to excel come June was Halilhodzic showing that he could augment the nation's raw talent with an awareness of how to use it.

While Côte d'Ivioire disappointed in Angola, I would not have dismissed Vahid Halilhodzic without already having another, better coach ready to step-in.  The speed with which this vacancy is filled will indicate whether that's the case.

This will be a highly sought-after position.  With the Nigeria position being filled (more on that later), Côte d'Ivoire and their talent - Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, as examples - will be able to draw interest from high profile coaches (Sven-Göran Eriksson's name will appear hear, also) who, if they are willing to work one summer on the cheap, would have a shot at World Cup glory.