A victory would also be a fitting farewell for coach Henri Michel who said on Sunday that the match would be his last in charge of the team as his contract is about to expire.

After two defeats apiece, Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro are going home regardless of the outcome of their clash in Munich on Wednesday.

"Neither of us will want to leave the World Cup empty-handed and we are both anxious to return with our heads held high," midfielder Gilles Yapi Yapo told a news conference.

The West Africans have won plenty of plaudits for the way they played in 2-1 defeats against both Argentina and the Netherlands in Group C. "To return with no points despite all the talent that we have would be very disappointing," said forward Bakary Kone.

Asked whether he and his team mates viewed their last World Cup as a chance to secure suitors from big-name clubs, Yapi Yapo answered: "Yes -- the World Cup is a chance to show our capacities. This is secondary to team and country but I am not saying that this is not in our heads."

Yapi Yapo spent part of last season on loan to Swiss club Young Boys from FC Nantes of France.

Michel said he would give players a chance who had not yet taken the field.

Michel will be without captain Didier Drogba who gained a second yellow card in the match against the Netherlands.

"He is not at his full capacity either physically or psychologically. It is clear he is very disappointed," Michel said, but he added his captain would not leave Germany early.

The coach refused to dismiss Serbia despite the team's 6-0 thrashing by Argentina on Friday, adding he was surprised at the extent of their defeat.

"There is a bad atmosphere in their team and that shows on the pitch... for pride's sake they will be seeking a win."