Despite a spirited performance in their final group game, Kolo Toure and his Cote d'Ivoire side exited the competition today as a 3-0 victory over North Korea was not enough given Portugal's point against Brazil.
Again underperforming at a major tournament, the Ivorians were perhaps unlucky to be drawn in a tough group but will rue a lack of belief and purpose in their opening game of the tournament against Portugal.
Incidentally, Kolo's brother, Yaya, opened the scoring with a smart finish from the edge of the area and looked a dominant figure in midfield. Their exit from the tournament may now push the focus to a potential move to City, with The Guardian's Daniel Taylor tweeting that it could even be confirmed as early as next week.