Switzerland and Ivory Coast draw in World Cup friendly

BASEL, Switzerland, May 27: Switzerland and Ivory Coast played out a 1-1 draw today as both nations continued their World Cup build-ups.

The Swiss took the lead after 32 minutes through Bayer Leverkusen's Tranquillo Barnetta but the Ivorians hit back just after halftime through substitute Emerse Fae.

FC Basel's David Degen made his debut for the national side when the 23-year-old came on in the 77th minute to cheers from the 22,000 home crowd.

Swiss midfielder Hakan Yakin, recalled from his holidays earlier this week to replace injured striker Johan Vonlanthen, took no part in the game but watched from the stands.

''Hakan is one player of the 23-strong team, not more not less,'' Swiss coach Koebi Kuhn said in a news conference.

''He is a part of the team and that's all there is to it.'' Switzerland have been drawn in Group G for the World Cup along with South Korea, Togo and 1998 world champions France.

Ivory Coast, making their first appearance at the World Cup finals, will play in Group C along with Argentina, Serbia and Montenegro and the Netherlands.

Reuters