The first World Cup finals to be staged in Africa is quickly becoming a bore as Portugal and Ivory Coast again added to the growing series of poor games after a goalless draw in Port Elizabeth. Cristiano Ronaldo came closest to breaking the deadlock after hitting the post but otherwise there were few talking points in the game.

Both teams struggled to break each other down for the most part despite some good chances but Ronaldo continued his goal drought that has stretched 16 months and counting. This time, the Real Madrid star blasted a shot in the first half against the post and produced little ever that in another disappointing display for the national side.

There was time for a cameo from Didier Drogba – the striker was earlier approved by FIFA to play with a protective cast around his broken elbow – but the striker could not help lift an increasingly scrappy encounter.

There was much talk before the game that without Drogba, the Elephants would be severely weakened and find themselves struggling in the World Cup 2010 finals. However, the match started and Ivory Coast quickly imposed themselves on the proceedings and more than matched their European counterparts.

Ronaldo got himself into some card trouble during a frustrating first half for the striker as he tangled with defender Guy Demel and both players got booked for their troubles. The Real star was unhappy with the rough treatment he was receiving but referee Jorge Larrionda refused to let him take matters into his own hands.

Ivory Coast’s Gervinho, Aruna Dindane and Salomon Kalou caused the Portuguese defence many headaches with their pace but their finishing touch were not good enough to produce a goal between them in the end.

Both teams launched last bid attempts to salvage all three points but must now look ahead to beating North Korea before each facing a decisive clash against Brazil.

Tags: Ivory Coast, Match Highlights, Match Review, Portugal, World Cup, World Cup 2010