The second match of Group C proved to be a great contest between Japan of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) versus Ivory Coast of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). As the Japanese field technical and more agile players, the Ivorian’s would field a strong and fast side. With Colombia defeating Greece earlier in the day, the pressure was on to perform and get the right result. Overall the tournament has been very bright with plenty of great results and upsets.
The atmosphere was electric in the Arena Pernambuco, which is based in the city Recife. Both sides looked bright in the beginning of the match, especially Ivory Coast who had most of the possession and was creating chances early on through AS Roma winger Gervihno. As the Ivorian’s were applying pressure the Japanese struck first with a brilliant shot by AC Milan midfielder Honda. The shot was placed perfectly into the keeper’s top right corner, simply unstoppable.
It took the African side until the second half to make an incredible comeback. Toulouse right back, Serge Aurier, curled a dangerous ball into the area that Swansea City forward, Wilfred Bony headed past the diving keeper, Eiji Kawashima.
It took only two minutes for the Ivory Coast to strike again through Gervihno. Aurier once again crossed in another threatening ball into the area the Gervihno snuck past Kawashima. The introduction of Didier Drogba had lifted the losing side into an inspiring 2-1 win. The Ivory Coast is on points with Columbia, but is in second place due to goal difference.
Photo Credit: https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/world-cup-ivory-coast-japan-matchpack-last-chance-100640490–sow.html
