Ivory Coast manager Sabri Lamouchi resigns after group stage exit
Sabri Lamouchi announced his resignation as Ivory Coast's manager following the team's disappointing 2-1 loss to Greece on Tuesday, eliminating them from the World Cup.
BREAKING: Ivory Coast manager Sabri Lamouchi will not extend his deal with the country and will leave his post. #CIV pic.twitter.com/UfTdzntwu0
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 24, 2014
Ivory Coast faltered after a 2-1 victory over Japan to open the group stage, dropping consecutive 2-1 decisions. It marks the third straight group stage elimination for Ivory Coast, which qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 2006. This tournament is likely the last World Cup appearance for some of the nation's most revered players, such as Didier Drogba.
Lamouchi was named manager in May 2012 and guided the squad through World Cup qualifying in his first managerial position since retiring as a player in 2009. Ivory Coast was the top-ranked African nation - ranked 23rd in the world by FIFA - heading into the tournament.