Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure has told his team-mates to believe they can make an impact at the World Cup even without Didier Drogba.
The Ivorians were rocked in the run-up to the finals when the Chelsea striker broke a bone in his forearm, and although he is expected to be able to play some part in the tournament, it is not yet known whether he will be available for tomorrow's opening Group G clash with Portugal in Port Elizabeth.
However, Manchester City stopper Toure insists there is more to Sven-Goran Eriksson's men than just their star frontman.
He told www.fifa.com: "During the first few days, it was really hard to take because Didier is our captain and best player, after all.
"He's a top goalscorer who has always stood up to be counted when we have found ourselves with our backs against the wall.
"But there are 23 players here representing the Ivory Coast and it is all those players together who will win us matches, not Didier Drogba on his own.
"We will deal with whatever comes our way. What counts now is that everyone fights for each other, side by side."
Toure also paid tribute to former England boss Eriksson for the way in which he has changed the mindset of his new team.
He said: "He [Eriksson] has put an added emphasis on playing as a team and not just as a collection of individuals.
"He has managed to change the mindset of the team and of each player. We have always had good players, but have never been able to properly work together as an effective unit, defending and attacking as one.
"That's what we have been working on, and we hope that it will bear fruit, starting with our first match versus Portugal."
