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The build-up is reaching its climax, the squads have been announced and the fans are beginning to arrive that's right, World Cup fever is taking hold.And despite a list longer than your arm detailing all the flaws, shortcomings and delays involved in Brazil's hosting, the excitement shows little signs of dissipating for many.Ivory Coast will be out to get past the second round for the first-time ever in their history, and although they're in a group that is by no means inescapable, this might just be their biggest-ever test.Some of these players will have their last World Cup hurrah this summer and they'll be out to prove themselves.So, it's time for Sportskeeda to take a look at five players who'll be huge cogs in their Brazilian journey.You can see the Top 5 players for other teams here:FIFA World Cup top 5 Players for each country
#5 Wilfried Bony
He could play up front on his own should Drogba get injured or if Lamouchi feels like changing from his beloved 4-3-3, but he could also play just behind the striker or alongside Yaya Toure with a pair of defensive midfielders behind them – in truth there's a nice degree of versatility in the squad.
But it’s important that they adapt to that strength when necessary – otherwise it’s a pointless attribute.
Following a rather good season in the Premier League with Swansea, where the Wales-based side combined the Europa League experience with domestic survival, Bony was a great source of goals.
All in all, he netted 16 league goals.
He'll be keen to prove himself as well in the coming weeks in what is, in effect, the best shop window in world football. Tall, strong and not afraid to shoot, he's the typical big target man, but he's also got an excellent technique, and he can run a bit with the ball at his feet, too.
He won't want to warm the bench all tournament long, and he will feature at some point. And, who knows, perhaps his sporadic appearances will be the spark they need.
Watch this space.
#4 Geoffrey Serey Die
Anchoring the midfield alongside what will probably be Didier Ya Konan, the Basel player's conservative midfield play might just be the key to shoring up their defensive problems.
If he can hold the ball up well enough and track back if and when Yaya Toure loses possession, the Cote d'Ivoire might just have enough solidity to their shape to hold of counter-attacking moves.
He'll need to be in top gear, though, because there are far superior central midfield generals around and they might well get over-run with such an attack-minded approach.
Fans of Sabri Lamouchi's team are in for a nail-biting series of games, it would appear especially if the manager doesn't find a more defensively secure formation as back-up, because if they intend to make it past the second-round, they'll need a more deep-sitting alternative.
#3 Salomon Kalou
The attacking department is where Les Elephantes will pack the biggest punch.
In truth, they possess some of the best, proven talents in the tournament, and although their empowered front-line is well-endowed in order to offset the weaknesses they have at the back, it's still something they shoud be proud of, and will look to capitalise on.
Salomon Kalou and Gervinho, will be two major influences throughout June and July, particularly if they can stretch opposing teams wide by hugging the touchlines out wide their deliveries in to Didier Drogba will need to be top-class if they are to make things easier for themselves.
They have pace and a direct approach, and that will play into their hands. Excellent in attack during the qualifiers, this might be the last opportunity for some of these players to make a big impact.
#2 Yaya Toure
At this moment in time, Yaya Toure is one of the best players in the world, make no mistake about that.
Having just come off the back of a wondrous season with Manchester City in the Premier League, he'll be out to prove his worth on the grandest stage of them all.
Capable of scoring from open-play and from dead-ball situations expect at least one well-placed cracker -his contributions will be immensely vital to his team's progress.
Expect him to fire a few long-range efforts at goal, and don't be surprised if a few of them fly in.
Much like Drogba, his physicality will be a big factor; his plundering runs through the middle are always a joy to watch and in all honesty, their group stage opponents would be forgiven for feeling a pang of fear when he runs at their back-four with the ball at his feet; his close-control is unrivalled for such a big man.
#1 Didier Drogba
Even at 36 years of age, the former Chelsea striker remains a huge, huge talent.
Having just finished his stint at Galatasaray in Turkey, Didier Drogba is currently without a club, but even with the star striker coming towards the tail-end of his careeer, it's clear he'd stil add plenty to any top club's attacking line-up.
And the same can surely be said of his national side, Ivory Coast.
He's their main target man up front, and with his strength, great finishing and excellent footwork, the former Champions League winner clearly has all the assets to net himself a few goals this summer.
Should he get injured, they'll have to rely on Wilfried Bony instead not a bad back-up striker, but Drogba will be their main source of goals and without him their exit from Group C will be arduous.
He'll probably be out to snag himself a big-money move somewhere, and if he puts in a few good shifts, he might just earn himself one. Jose Mourinho would surely welcome him back to Stamford Bridge after all, the Blues are desperately in need of a net-rattling striker.
