Plenty of goals should be expected in the opening match of group C as the Ivory Coast clash against Japan. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 11.00am (AEST).
On paper, the Ivory Coast and Japan possess the strongest squads coming out of the African and Asian continent. Both teams are well served by a host of European stars plying their trade in some of the biggest clubs in the world.
For Japan, AC Milan’s Keisuke Honda and Manchester United’s Shinji Kagawa headline a talented Japanese squad that can certainly trouble the top teams when on song.
The Japanese play an attractive brand of football and will fancy their chances of qualifying out of the group stages despite being in an open group which also contains Colombia, Greece and the Ivory Coast.
The Ivory Coast on paper should be targetting at least a round of 16 birth. This is a team possessing players that have achieved enormous success playing for some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Yaya Toure was Manchester City’s best player last season, leading the side to their second Premier League title in three seasons. He is one of the best midfielders on the planet when on song.
Upfront, Didier Drogba and Gervinho ensure that the Ivory Coast will ask plenty of questions of the Japanese defence today. Drogba in particular will be keen to cap off his last world cup with a strong showing in Brazil.
With both teams a good chance of progressing past the group stages, today’s contest should see both teams switched on from kickoff.
While both squads are pretty evenly matched, the Ivory Coast do possess the higher quality personnel. Yaya Toure and Drogba have both won the Champions League and certainly have the big game temperament to lead the Ivory Coast to victory.
Ivory Coast to win 2-1
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Hey AZ did you hear that WSW have signed Vitor SABA from Brescia-Serie B ?
Alan
Roar Guru
Me Planko. I will be covering that game mate.
Planko
Guest
Now let's see if the Eels can get up ... Who is up for that Alan ...
Alan
Roar Guru
The Japanese opened the scoring and looked well on course for the upset after Honda found the net with a great left footed strike. The Ivory Coast though went up several gears in the second half courtesy of the inclusion of Drogba. When he came on, the Ivory Coast managed to kick on and score two quick goals to earn victory. Ivory Coast too good in the end. Better players eventually fired when it mattered. Ivory Coast 2 Japan 1
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Good call Alan.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Victoire pour Les Éléphants!!!!
Alan
Roar Guru
95' - Ivory Coast trying to kill time here but the time they kill will be added on. Don't teams understand this? We are up to 96 minutes! FULLTIME Ivory Coast 2 Japan 1
Alan
Roar Guru
94' - Gervinho now in space out wide. Cross put in and that's a poor ball with no one in the area. Ivory Coast now take care of another Japanese attack Ivory Coast 2 Japan 1
Planko
Guest
Thanks Alan have been out with the kids so having this has been great
Alan
Roar Guru
93' - Ivory Coast break forward. His inclusion changed this game. Kawashima with possession now. Ivory Coast 2 Japan 1
Hamish Alcorn
Guest
Cynical closing minutes from the Ivory Coast though. A shame because they were joyous to watch in attack.
Alan
Roar Guru
91' - Poor second half from Japan really. Ivory Coast have finished all over them. Ivory Coast 2 Japan 1
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Drogba will stand over this ball all day long
Alan
Roar Guru
89' - Ivory Coast break forward now. Kalou with a dangerous cross and Kawashima tips the ball over the bar. Corner for the Ivory Coast Ivory Coast 2 Japan 1
Mister Football
Roar Guru
counter-attacks both ends - ruined by poor balls
Alan
Roar Guru
87' - Kagawa off for Kakitani. Honda with a long ball and the corner is conceded. Time running out for the Japanese. Counter attack now for the Ivory Coast. Gervinho with a poor touch and he mucks it up! Japan now attack. Goal kick for the Ivory Coast Ivory Coast 2 Japan 1
Mister Football
Roar Guru
geez Les Éléphants are all superb athletes this as much as anything else has worried Japan most of this game
Alan
Roar Guru
Ball played in to Drogba who is unmarked on the edge of the penalty area. His shot however is deflected out for a corner. Japan on the ropes big time. Ivory Coast 2 Japan 1
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Can Les Éléphants hold on another sept minutes Drogba just misses!
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE IVORY COAST Ivory Coast 2 Japan 1