But as hosts they have a responsibility to put on a good show in the Copa.
Morocco last played in the Under-20s as hosts five years ago, which was the same tournament the Ivorians made their previous appearance.
So Ghana, as hosts of this year's African Cup, got the kind of global media coverage often reserved for African wars and calamities.
England won the World Cup as hosts in 1966.
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At this year's finals in Japan and South Korea there will be five African teams, four Asian sides (two of which have qualified as hosts) and three from North and Central America, out of a total of 32 teams.
But that was as close as the hosts got as flanker Akapusi Qera fed Simpson-Daniel for his second, and a Burns chip then gave the ex-England wing his treble.
Harris then marked his 17th birthday by removing the hosts' top three as the hosts limped to 118-5 by stumps.
Pettini himself conceded 24 runs from just five deliveries, as the hosts were fed runs to hasten the declaration, before promoting himself to open the Essex batting as a pinch-hitter.
Normal service was soon resumed, though, as the hosts continued to carve through their disorganised opposition.
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Botha scored 42 while wicket-keeper Niall O'Brien hit 72 as the hosts made 222-7 batting first.
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Fulham striker Bobby Zamora sent a deflected shot just wide as the hosts continued to press.
There would also be geopolitical consequences, as Venezuela hosts numerous influential investors (including many Americans).
Substitute Alessandro Matri scored the clincher near the end as the hosts climbed to seventh.
Fly-half Stephen Donald kicked four second-half penalties, to one from Matt Giteau, as the hosts finished strongly.
Don Cowie also blazed into the stands as the hosts made light of their abject recent form.
Nonetheless he played against France -- making little contribution -- as the hosts coasted to a 3-0 win.
Wales had spent little time in French territory for long periods as the hosts' tactical approach paid dividends.
Chris Tremlett vindicated his selection with three fine wickets as the hosts slumped to 69-5 shortly after lunch.
Gordon then superbly tipped Veliche Shumulikoski's blistering drive over the bar as the hosts sought to double their lead.
James Arlidge and Shaun Connor kicked the points as the hosts secured a consolation bonus point at Rodney Parade.
Anil Kumble cleaned up the tail to return 4-47 as the hosts were dismissed for 245 soon after lunch.
However, the second-half was a different affair as the hosts were totally out-played.
Welbeck, Bent, Jordan Henderson and Gyan all spurned at least two opportunities apiece as the hosts dominated possession and territory.
Yuvraj Singh (113) and Wasim Jaffer (93) had pressed their claims for Test recalls as the hosts declared on 292-4.
England slumped to defeat in their one-day series with India as the hosts took an unassailable 4-0 lead on Sunday.
Only 37.1 overs were possible as the hosts, 131-5 overnight, added a further 105 to be bowled out for 236.
Timmy Simons' drive was comfortably beaten away by Diego Cavalieri as the hosts finally got a shot in on goal.
Minutes later, a Cooke kick through saw Liam Colbon add another try as the hosts lost all rhythm without Orr.
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