Prematch comments were all to the favor of Ivorians but the brave performance from the Egyptians meant that the game on paper doesn't mean anything and performance on the pitch is what matters. EP presents some prematch comments from former Chelsea manager Maurinho, Gunners centre back Kolo Toure, Gerard Gili and Didier Drogba.

Before the match: Toure seeks revenge from the Pharaohs

Jose Maurinho:

Eurosport interviewed the former Chelsea manager Jose Maurinho before the Egypt vs Ivory Coast match. Maurinho said that the Ivorians have the upper hand in terms of individual talent in their squad. He added that the strongest team can win in league competition but when you play in cup, the strongest team will not always win.

"Ivory Coast have the strongest squad but I can't tell if they will win the cup or not".

"When you have Drogba in the centre, Salomon Kalou on the left, Yaya Toure in midfield and other quality players, you have a very strong team with better individual players". Maurinho added.

Didier Drogba:

Its all or nothing for us at the moment, if we beat Egypt we will play for the cup, if not then we will lose everything.

Kolo Toure (prematch):

"It is a good chance for us to revenge for our defeat in 2006 against Egypt in the final"